Pickleball’s Dynamic Duo Splits: Rachel Rohrabacher shared a heartfelt message Thursday after ending her partnership with women’s doubles teammate Anna Bright. The split comes as Bright prepares to join World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters for the rest of the 2025 PPA Tour season. Waters recently ended her pairing with Catherine Parenteau.
Bright and Rohrabacher had formed one of the most exciting duos on tour. Known as “The Girlies,” they achieved a 91-16 record together, won eight gold medals, and became top rivals to Waters and Parenteau at nearly every event.
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Reflecting on a Strong Partnership
Rohrabacher posted on Instagram to express her appreciation for Bright and their journey together.
I am truly fortunate to have shared the court with such an incredible competitor & person in Anna Bright. Anna gave me my first real shot in this sport – taking a chance on me when I was just starting out and still unproven. At the time, many people doubted that decision, but that one act of faith turned into a career I never imagined, in a sport I’ve come to love so much. From the Orlando Squeeze to the Girlies, I will always look back on our time together with nothing but gratitude and love.” – (Rohrabacher)
Rohrabacher made it clear there is no bad blood between the former teammates.
“Though we’re heading in different directions, I am immensely proud of everything we accomplished & wish Anna nothing but the best as she moves forward. Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the fans who supported us, believed in us, and watched us grow over the past two years. While this chapter is closing, I’m excited for what comes next!” – (Rohrabacher)
A Look Ahead
It is not yet known who Rohrabacher will team up with next. The PPA Tour returns in mid-May for the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, giving her time to decide. In the meantime, Rohrabacher confirmed she recently had a minor health procedure.
She underwent treatment to remove basal cell cancerous spots at Academic Alliance in Dermatology in Tampa, Florida. She noted that “everything went well.”
Rohrabacher is set to play later this month for the D.C. Pickleball Team during MLP Orlando.
What This Means for the Tour
The breakup of one of pickleball’s top teams could shift the competitive landscape. With Bright now joining Waters, fans will be watching closely to see how she and Rohrabacher adapt to their new partners.
Rohrabacher’s message showed respect and gratitude, but it also signaled that she is ready for the next phase of her career.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Dynamic Duo Splits
Rachel Rohrabacher responded to her split with Anna Bright, expressing gratitude for their time as a team. Bright will now partner with World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters. Rohrabacher is recovering well from a minor medical procedure and will compete with the D.C. Pickleball Team at MLP Orlando later this month.
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