Anna Leigh Waters Bio
Anna Leigh Waters (born January 26, 2007) is an American professional pickleball player who became the youngest professional at age 12. By 2025, she had won 165 gold medals and 38 triple crowns, and was ranked No. 1 in the world for doubles, mixed doubles, and singles by the Professional Pickleball Association. Known for her aggressive playing style and strength, she plays doubles on a team with her mother, Leigh Waters, a former NCAA tennis player.
Early Life and Background
Anna Leigh Waters was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and lived in Clinton, North Carolina, until age eight. In 2015, her family relocated to Delray Beach, Florida, where she was also a competitive soccer player during her early years. Her mother, Leigh Waters, is a former NCAA Division I tennis player at the University of South Carolina and has played a significant role in Anna Leigh’s athletic development.
Path to Pickleball
Waters began playing pickleball during a visit to her grandparents in Allentown in 2017. She entered her first tournament several months later and won a gold medal in Women’s Doubles at just 10 years old. Her rapid progress led her to turn professional in 2019 at age 12, making her the youngest professional pickleball player in history. Her mother also serves as her coach and doubles partner, forming the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball.
Anna Leigh Waters Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Starting competitive play in 2017, Waters quickly established herself by winning a gold medal in Women’s Doubles at age 10. By 2019, she had turned professional, setting a record as the youngest pro in the sport. During these formative years, she gained experience and honed her aggressive playing style characterized by strength and speed.
Professional Breakthrough and Rise (2019–2025)
Since turning pro, Waters has won over 165 gold medals and 38 triple crowns across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. She has been ranked No. 1 in the world by the Professional Pickleball Association in all three categories. Waters and her mother made history by participating in the first nationally televised pickleball match on CBS Sports in 2022 at the Skechers Invitational Summer Championship in Los Angeles.
Current Status and Sponsorship (2025–Present)
Waters continues to compete at the highest level, maintaining her top rankings and accumulating tournament victories. She signed a contract with Franklin Sports starting in 2026, reflecting her growing prominence in the sport. Her partnership with her mother remains a unique and defining aspect of her career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Anna Leigh Waters is known for her aggressive style, combining strength and speed to dominate matches. Her right-handed play is marked by quick reflexes and strategic shot placement. The close coaching relationship with her mother enhances her tactical approach and on-court adaptability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Waters’ career milestones include becoming the youngest professional pickleball player at age 12, winning over 165 gold medals, and achieving the No. 1 world ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The 2022 nationally televised match with her mother was a landmark event for the sport.
Anna Leigh Waters Career Wins
Anna Leigh Waters has amassed a remarkable record of wins across multiple pickleball disciplines. Her achievements include numerous tournament victories in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, highlighting her versatility and dominance in the sport.
Pickleball Highlights
Waters’ first major win came at age 10 in Women’s Doubles. Since turning professional, she has secured 165 gold medals and 38 triple crowns. Her consistent top-level performance has earned her the No. 1 ranking in the Professional Pickleball Association for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles as of 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her professional titles, Waters has participated in exhibition matches with notable athletes from various sports, including Michael Phelps, Jamie Foxx, Sugar Ray Leonard, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Larry Fitzgerald, and Danny Wuerffel, showcasing her growing influence and recognition beyond pickleball.
Anna Leigh Waters Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Anna Leigh Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, is a former NCAA Division I tennis player who has played an integral role as her coach and doubles partner. Their unique mother-daughter team is the only one of its kind in professional pickleball, blending family ties with athletic collaboration.
Personal Life
Waters resides in Delray Beach, Florida. Details about her personal relationships or marital status are not publicly available. Her close bond with her mother is a central aspect of both her personal and professional life.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Anna Leigh Waters maintained her position as the top-ranked player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her season was marked by continued tournament success and strong performances alongside her mother. The signing of a contract with Franklin Sports for 2026 underscores her rising profile and the anticipation of further achievements in upcoming seasons.