Anna Leigh Waters Pickleball Campaign: Paddletek, a leading pickleball paddle company, has launched a new campaign called Not a Real Sport to defend the sport from common stereotypes. The ad features Anna Leigh Waters, one of the world’s top pickleball players, showcasing her athletic skills.
Breaking the Stereotypes
The campaign pushes back against critics who claim pickleball isn’t a real sport. It includes real audio of comments like “not a real athlete” and “not a real challenge.” These are played while Anna Leigh Waters displays powerful shots and fast gameplay.
The campaign addresses doubts shared by people like basketball legend Charles Barkley. He once said,
“The problem with pickleball is I don’t like playing with old people. When I go to the gym, I don’t want to play with no 80-year-olds.”
What the Brand Says
Curtis Smith, President at Paddletek, explained the message.
“Every player has heard the comments and despite that, people of all ages and skillsets are passionate about pickleball, making it the fastest-growing sport in America,”.
“The campaign is a tribute to the hours of training, fierce gameplay and relentless determination to win, a stark contrast to pickleball haters.”
Trevor Williams, Principal and Executive Creative Director at Young & Laramore, the ad agency behind the campaign, added:
“We’re just saying what players already know to be true. At the highest levels, this sport demands intense physicality and hard work. We want to champion them: the diehards, the ones who truly love the game.
By connecting Paddletek to the fast, physical style of play captivating players and fans, we’re proving it’s the paddle for serious competition.”
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Founded in 2010, Paddletek is one of the original brands in pickleball. With more sports companies like adidas entering the scene, Paddletek wants to stay connected with serious players who value skill and performance.
Choosing Anna Leigh Waters as the face of the campaign helps underline that goal. She is known not only for her victories but also for showing what makes pickleball fun, competitive, and challenging.
A Sport on the Rise
The Not a Real Sport campaign sends a strong message. It highlights the hard work behind pickleball and helps correct false ideas about the game. With players like Anna Leigh Waters leading the way, the sport continues to grow and gain respect across the world.
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News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Pickleball Campaign
Paddletek has launched a new ad campaign called Not a Real Sport to challenge common pickleball stereotypes. The ad stars top player Anna Leigh Waters. It shows the strength and skill involved in pickleball and reminds people that the sport is serious, demanding, and growing fast.