Anna Leigh Waters
Who is Anna Leigh Waters?
Anna Leigh Waters, born on January 26, 2007, in Delray Beach, Florida, has made waves in the world of pickleball. Before becoming a pickleball sensation, she was a competitive soccer player. Apart from sports, Anna has varied interests including soccer, shopping, cooking, and fashion.
At the young age of 12, Anna became the youngest professional pickleball player in history. She is widely recognized for her doubles partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, where they showcase an aggressive playing style.
Anna is homeschooled by her grandmother, and her mother has expressed that Anna may postpone college to focus on her professional pickleball career. With her talent, dedication, and supportive family, Anna Leigh Waters continues to leave a lasting impact on the pickleball world.
Anna Leigh Waters’s Pickleball Career
Anna Leigh Waters’ pickleball journey began unexpectedly during Hurricane Irma in 2017, when her family sought refuge with her grandparents in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It was there that Anna, alongside her mother, Leigh Waters, discovered the sport of pickleball. Despite her young age of 11, Anna quickly showcased her talent and entered her first tournament in Dallas, Texas.
By the age of 12 in 2019, Anna made history by becoming the youngest professional pickleball player ever. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a pause in her playing in 2020, Anna continued to excel in the sport, securing victories in doubles, mixed doubles, and singles competitions.
Anna’s remarkable success is largely attributed to her partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, who serves as both her doubles partner and coach. Leigh, a former NCAA Division I tennis player at the University of South Carolina, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their dynamic duo. Together, they form the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball, showcasing a unique bond both on and off the court.
Known for her aggressive playing style and remarkable achievements across various categories, Anna has left an indelible mark on the pickleball world. In doubles, she has clinched medals in 46 tournaments, including an impressive 25 triple crown victories. Similarly, in mixed doubles, Anna boasts 449 games won and a notable match streak of 70 wins. In singles competitions, she has emerged victorious in 46 tournaments, with a longest match streak of 38 wins.
Throughout her career, Anna Leigh Waters has demonstrated remarkable skill, determination, and resilience, earning her a place among the most promising talents in the world of pickleball. As she continues to make strides in her career, her future in the sport shines brightly, with countless opportunities for further success and achievements on the horizon.
| Date of Birth | January 26, 2007 |
| Place Of Birth | Delray Beach |
| Age | 17 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 140 pounds (63.5 kg) |
| Current City | Delray Beach |
| Current State | Florida |
| Current Country | USA |
| Education | Homeschooled |
| Nationality | American |
| Year Starting | 2017 (started playing pickleball) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Playing Hand | Right-handed |
| Father’s Name | Stephen Waters |
| Mother’s Name | Leigh Waters |
| Siblings | No |
| Wife/GF/Dating | Not Married, Single |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 Million |
| Home Pickleball Club | Not Available |
| Pickleball Paddle | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 |
| Sponsors | FILA, Paddletek, Lock Laces |
| Other Careers | Previously a competitive soccer player |
| Hobbies | Soccer, shopping, cooking, and fashion |
| Favorites | Favorite Car- Range Rover Favorite Shoes- Fila Pickleball Shoes |
What is Anna Leigh Waters’ Net Worth?
As of 2024, Anna Leigh Waters has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million. This substantial net worth is primarily attributed to her success in pickleball tournaments, endorsement deals, and sponsorships from major brands like Fila, Paddletek, and Lock Laces.
Fan’s Queries
Did Anna Leigh Waters play tennis before pickleball?
Ans. Anna Leigh Waters played competitive soccer from ages 5 to 14 and was even invited to join a professional soccer team in Germany. However, she chose to pursue a career in professional pickleball instead. She also played tennis from ages 8 to 12. Anna started playing pickleball at age 10 with her grandfather when Hurricane Irma displaced her family to Pennsylvania in 2017.
Why does Anna Leigh Waters wear glasses?
Ans. One reason is that they are prescription glasses, and she can’t see without them. Additionally, they provide her with eye and sun protection.
How much does Anna Leigh Waters make pickleball?
Ans. In a testament to her remarkable talent and rising stardom, 16-year-old Anna Leigh Waters is set to earn $1.5 million this year, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Waters, who has quickly become one of the sport’s most prominent figures, continues to break barriers and set new standards for professional pickleball players.
Does Anna Leigh Waters go to school?
Ans. Anna Leigh Waters’ mother, Leigh, serves as her coach and manager in addition to being her doubles partner. Homeschooled by her grandmother, Anna is likely to delay college to focus on her professional pickleball career, as stated by Leigh.
Who is pickleball Anna Leigh Waters’ mom?
Ans. Anna Leigh Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, is a professional pickleball player. She also serves as Anna’s coach and doubles partner.