Anna Leigh Waters

Anna Leigh Waters is recognized as a prodigy and a defining figure in professional pickleball. Born on January 26, 2007, she rapidly ascended the ranks to become the youngest professional athlete in the sport, making history at age 12. Waters’s dynamic style and trailblazing achievements have set new standards in competitive pickleball, earning her global recognition, sponsorships, and a passionate fan base as of 2025.

Early Life

Anna Leigh Waters was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania but relocated to Clinton, North Carolina, at age eight. In 2015, her family moved to Delray Beach, Florida, where Anna developed her athleticism as a competitive soccer player. Her introduction to pickleball came in 2017 when Hurricane Irma forced her family to evacuate Florida and stay with grandparents in Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, already a pickleball enthusiast, persuaded Anna and her mother to play. Anna was immediately drawn to the sport, and she entered her first tournament just months later, securing a gold medal at only 10 years old.

Family Life

The driving force behind Anna’s progression in pickleball is her family, especially her mother, Leigh Waters—a former NCAA Division I tennis player. Leigh’s background greatly influenced Anna’s aggressive playing style, shaping their unique approach to the game. The duo is renowned as the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball, often partnering in women’s doubles tournaments. Leigh continues to serve as Anna’s coach and manager, playing a critical role both on and off the court. Anna credits her mother for strategic insights and nurturing her competitive edge, while maintaining family support and privacy regarding her personal life.

Career

Anna Leigh Waters’s professional career began in earnest in 2019 when, at age 12, she became the youngest pro pickleball player in history. Her rapid rise saw her clinching numerous titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Waters holds the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in the world across all three categories according to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) as of March 2025.

Her playing style, marked by speed and power, has revolutionized the sport previously dominated by finesse. The “banging” and “ripping” technique introduced by Anna and her mother changed competitive pickleball, frequently catching opponents off guard and earning the team extraordinary results. Anna Leigh has accumulated over 148 gold medals and regularly competes with top athletes, including Ben Johns (mixed doubles partner) and other pro sports personalities in exhibition games.

Waters’s influence extends beyond competitive results. Her engaging personality and dominance have brought major sponsorships with FILA, Paddletek, and Skechers, helping advance pickleball’s visibility. She has also made media appearances and participated in the sport’s first nationally televised match alongside her mother in 2022.

Even while balancing her career, Anna remains connected to her interests outside of pickleball, including soccer, shopping, cooking, and fashion.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Anna Leigh Waters’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. This figure is based on her substantial earnings from tournament prize money and a rapidly expanding portfolio of sponsorships and endorsements with brands like Paddletek, FILA, and Skechers. Her growing social media influence further contributes to her financial success and distinguishes her as one of the highest-earning figures in pickleball.

Player Profile