Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau have officially ended their women’s doubles partnership, bringing one of pro pickleball’s most exciting rivalries to an early close. The announcement shocked fans and marked the end of their high-stakes matchups with rising stars Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher.
The decision comes after several intense Championship Sunday battles between the two teams. Known as “The Girlies,” Bright and Rohrabacher had recently become serious challengers to Waters and Parenteau’s dominance, setting the stage for a growing rivalry that thrilled fans and pushed both duos to new levels.
Rivalry Raised the Level of Play
Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher quickly rose through the ranks and established themselves as the number-two team in women’s doubles. Their matches with Waters and Parenteau were full of long rallies, bold shots, and high-level defense.
“It’s super beneficial for the players because there’s no complacency. Since we go back and forth, we’re constantly pushing each other to get better and reach limits and new heights we never thought we could reach. It’s exciting for fans to not know who’s going to win each time we show up on Championship Sunday. A rivalry is good for all parties because it’s exciting.” – (Rohrabacher)
This back-and-forth competition built suspense and brought viewers back each week, never knowing who would win. Both teams had their victories, making each showdown must-see pickleball.
A Short-Lived But Powerful Feud
Waters and Parenteau responded to the challenge by refining their play and embracing the competition. At the Veolia Cape Coral Open, Waters spoke about how the rivalry made them a better team.
“Anna and Rachel have really pushed us. I felt like we were getting better and figuring out what strategies worked and what didn’t, and it’s made us a better team. I’m not grateful that we’ve lost against them, but I’m grateful that we were pushed because we had to get creative. All four of us have gotten better as the rivalry continued, and we have such long points because the defense from both teams is so good.” – (Waters)
Those long points and fast-paced rallies became highlight moments, often going viral and showing fans just how skilled the women’s game has become. It was a rivalry that boosted the sport’s profile.
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What Comes Next
With Waters now teaming up with Bright for the rest of the 2025 PPA Tour, the dynamic in women’s doubles is changing again. Their new partnership could dominate, but it also means the thrilling matchups against “The Girlies” as rivals are over—for now.
The end of this rivalry leaves a question mark about what could have been had it continued. Still, it shows how rivalries can lift the level of competition and bring more attention to the game.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau
Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau have ended their top-tier women’s doubles partnership, ending their rivalry with Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher. Known as “The Girlies,” Bright and Rohrabacher helped spark intense matchups. Waters will now team with Bright for the 2025 PPA Tour.
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