Anna Leigh Waters Athlete Recognition: Google lists professional pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters as an “internet personality,” a label that has surprised many in the pickleball world. Waters, currently ranked World No. 1, has achieved historic success in the sport, yet her classification does not reflect her athletic accomplishments.
Athlete or Internet Star?
The unusual label was highlighted by Her Campus writer Ginger Koehler, who recently interviewed Anna Leigh Waters about her experience at the ESPY Awards. When asked about her Google status, Waters responded,
“I haven’t seen that, but I guess I don’t look myself up on the internet. I’m a little flattered that it said that because it means I must be doing a pretty good job on social media.
I’ve definitely been working on the content side because I know that’s a great way to build my brand.”
Waters was the first professional pickleball player to attend the ESPYs. Her social media presence is strong, but fans and experts believe that her true identity lies on the court.
Waters’ Historic Career
At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has already claimed 52 singles titles, 52 mixed doubles titles, and 50 women’s doubles titles. These record-breaking stats make her one of the most successful athletes in the sport.
Despite this, she remains listed by Google under a category typically used for online influencers. Critics point out that the label “internet personality” ignores her role as a serious athlete.
Comparison to Other Athletes
When searching other professional athletes, more accurate titles are shown. For example, Ilona Maher is listed as an “American rugby union player,” and Coco Gauff is recognized as an “American tennis player.” Even track star Gabby Thomas is labeled “American athlete.”
Meanwhile, Ben Johns, one of the sport’s most respected male players, is also listed as an “internet personality.” Like Waters, Johns is known for his high-level performance and strategic impact in pickleball.
Some players with a background in tennis, such as Catherine Parenteau and Hunter Johnson, are categorized as “tennis players,” possibly due to Google’s reliance on earlier career paths.
Frustration from the Pickleball Community
The misclassification has raised questions about whether Google recognizes pickleball as a serious sport. The suggestion that Waters and Johns are known mainly for their social media activity overlooks their dominance in the game.
Waters has gone viral not for funny videos but for highlights showing her skill. Her clips display advanced gameplay and unmatched agility, not light entertainment.
The criticism isn’t directed at internet creators in general, but at the apparent misunderstanding of what makes Waters and Johns notable. “Internet personality” suggests they’re famous for online content alone, not athletic achievement.
The Call for Respect
Some are wondering if pickleball is being taken seriously at all by large platforms like Google. Have online trends overshadowed the sport’s recent rise? Or does its newness confuse the algorithm?
Whatever the reason, many in the pickleball world believe it’s time for change. Waters and Johns have helped shape the sport and bring it into the spotlight. They deserve to be recognized first and foremost as athletes.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Athlete Recognition
Google has labeled top pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters an “internet personality” despite her unmatched success in the sport. With 154 career titles and growing popularity, fans argue she and fellow pro Ben Johns should be recognized as athletes. The pickleball community is calling for greater respect from search platforms.
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