Anna Leigh Waters: The Rise of a Triple-Threat Champion

Photo Credit: Nathan Boschult / PPA Tour

“I always strive to be the best I can be and am learning to grow as a competitor every day. I will make mistakes, but I will learn from them too.”— Anna Leigh Waters

At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has ascended to the pinnacle of professional pickleball, holding the No. 1 world ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Her journey from a curious beginner to a dominant, three-discipline champion is defined by early talent, a fearless playing style, and a resume that keeps growing.

Early Beginnings and Rapid Rise

Waters’ introduction to pickleball came in 2017, during a family evacuation from Florida in the wake of Hurricane Irma. While staying with her grandparents in Pennsylvania, her grandfather introduced her to the game. By the age of 10, she had already won a gold medal in women’s doubles, and at 12, she became the youngest professional pickleball player in history.

Dominance Across All Formats

Waters’ aggressive, fast-paced style—marked by hard drives, quick resets, and elite footwork—set her apart early in her career. Her partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, a former Division I tennis player, brought a unique dynamic to women’s doubles, emphasizing speed and power over traditional soft play and replacing traditional dinks and drops with power and precision.

In singles, Waters is a force of nature, using her court coverage, explosive transitions, and shot variety to outmatch her opponents. Her mixed doubles partnership with Ben Johns, the sport’s top-ranked male player, has proven nearly unbeatable— the duo won 16 out of 17 tournaments in 2024 alone.

Accumulating Titles and Triple Crowns

Waters has amassed a staggering number of titles, all before her 19th birthday: She has surpassed 50 titles each in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, marking her historic ‘Triple 50’ achievement at the June 2025 Orange County Cup, a rare and extraordinary feat in professional pickleball. With over 150 career titles total, she continues to redefine excellence in the sport.

Financial Success and Sponsorships

Waters’ success on the court has translated into significant financial rewards. In 2024, she was projected to earn over $3 million from tournament winnings and endorsements, surpassing the earnings of many athletes in more established sports leagues.

She is sponsored by FILA, Paddletek, Biofreeze, and other top-tier brands, reflecting her marketability and the growing popularity of pickleball. Her image, skill, and growing global following have positioned her as the face of professional pickleball.

Game Point

At just 18, Anna Leigh Waters is not only the youngest No. 1 in the game, she's also one of the fiercest competitors in any sport today. Her relentless drive, combined with her strategic acumen and athletic prowess, positions her to remain at the forefront of the sport for years to come, and with each tournament, she redefines what’s possible in pickleball, inspiring a generation of players and setting the bar higher with every swing.

See you on the courts!