Anna Leigh Waters Reflects on Her Pickleball Journey: Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s No. 1 pickleball player and a former member of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, recently shared a personal story on Instagram that highlights her passion for the sport and her journey to becoming a professional. Waters, who joined the @paddletekpickleball team early in her career, reflected on her path from a nervous newcomer to a dominant force in the pickleball world.
“It’s been love at first hit since the beginning,” Waters captioned her video, revealing a side of her that many fans may not know. In 2018, at the age of 10, Waters was introduced to pickleball when her local club signed her and her mother up for their first tournament. Despite their nerves, the duo took on the challenge, having only played the sport for a few months after years of competing in tennis.
During that initial tournament, Waters caught the eye of a Paddletek representative named Ken, who noticed her potential and offered her a paddle to try. “I hit with the paddle, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I absolutely love this paddle,’” Waters recalled, referring to the Phantom TS-5. That paddle, she noted, became her constant companion on the court for years to come.
Waters’ excitement was palpable as she recounted how Ken proposed a sponsorship, offering her free paddles. “I was freaking out,” she said, her enthusiasm still evident even years later. This modest start eventually led to her becoming a key player in the Paddletek team, a partnership that has remained strong since her first tournament.
The community’s response to her story was overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing admiration for her dedication and talent. One follower noted, “I use an ALW-C now, but still have my TS-5 and still love that paddle as well.” Another shared, “Ur awesome! My wife and I love watching u play. Ur attitude, ur spunk cannot be taught.”
Waters’ story serves as a testament to her growth and love for the game, a journey that began with a single paddle and evolved into a remarkable career. Her post is a reminder of the unexpected opportunities that arise when passion meets perseverance. As she continues to compete at the highest level, her fans remain inspired by her story, eagerly cheering her on with every hit.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Reflects on Her Pickleball Journey
Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, recently shared her inspiring journey on Instagram. Reflecting on her early career, Waters recalled her first tournament in 2018 at age 10, where a Paddletek representative noticed her potential and gifted her a Phantom TS-5 paddle. This chance encounter led to a sponsorship and her longstanding partnership with Paddletek. Waters’ post highlights her passion for the sport and her growth from a nervous newcomer to a top player. Fans responded positively, admiring her dedication and talent, and celebrating her remarkable career trajectory.
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