Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau Split: The top-ranked women’s doubles team in pro pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, have split. Parenteau confirmed the news in a recent Instagram post. While not stated outright, the post strongly suggests a breakup. The decision follows a few unexpected losses in early 2025.
Falling from the Top
Waters and Parenteau dominated 2024 but have faced tougher matches this year. They’ve only lost twice—once to Eden and Cali at the Texas Open and again to Tyra and Jorja in North Carolina. These losses have raised questions about what changed in their game.
The answer may lie in the rising level of competition. Waters remains the top player, but she can no longer win matches alone. Parenteau, once a rock on the court, hasn’t played at the same high level. Equipment may also be a factor.
“Selkirks just aren’t competitive at the Pro Tour anymore. I think Katherine is a phenomenal player, but her equipment is clearly holding her back,” said Zane Navratil.
Who Will Play with Waters Next?
The likely choice is Anna Bright. Waters and Bright are 7–0 as a pair. If that pairing becomes permanent, it could reshape the women’s field. However, there’s still uncertainty. If Bright declines, Waters may turn to Tyra or Jorja. Both are talented but inconsistent.
“They can take down anyone on the right day but they can also take some random losses. At their best, they’re probably an upgrade from Catherine but they’re not quite reliable enough on a weekend week out basis to build that dynasty,” Navratil said.
Game Plan and Rivalries
If Waters and Bright team up, their strategy may rely on returns. Bright is strong at the kitchen line, while Waters can poach and drive.
“There are just weapons everywhere… probably the two best dinkers in the women’s game, both of whom can turn a dead dink into a winner quickly,” Navratil explained. The potential duo could pose a challenge for opponents.
“If I’m facing them, I’m not trying to get into dink battles… I’m speeding up and I’m going to try and counter… I’m throwing some bait balls and push dinks hoping to force speed ups from them on my terms… not because that’s a great option but because it might be the least bad one,” he added.
Still, options for beating such a team are limited. Speed-ups and lobs might work at times, but not over an entire match.
What’s Next for the Women’s Field?
This breakup may end one of the sport’s growing rivalries: Waters and Parenteau vs. “the girlies.” The split could also mark the start of a new dominant era.
“Just as we thought we were getting parody on the women’s side we might be heading into an era of unprecedented dominance… I don’t think they lose a match this year… The real question is how often do they even lose a game,” Navratil predicted.
If Waters and Bright team up full-time, the women’s pro pickleball field may look very different in 2025.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau Split
Top pickleball doubles pair Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau have split. Though still dominant, two early 2025 losses and equipment concerns led to the breakup. Waters may team with Anna Bright, forming a potentially unbeatable duo. The change could reshape rivalries and competition across the women’s pro field.
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