Sunday, March 30, 2025

Talk Pickle To Me Podcat: Leigh Waters Interview

 

Leigh Waters: Mother and Coach to the #1 Pro Pickleball Player in The World

 

Leigh Waters: From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Stardom - A Mother’s Journey

Insights into Coaching, Family, and the Future of Pickleball

In this engaging episode of "Talk Pickle To Me," host Kaitlyn Kerr welcomes Leigh Waters, a former Division One tennis player, lawyer, and professional pickleball player turned coach, as part of the series on the 10 Most Influential Women in Pickleball. Aired on March 12, 2025, and spanning 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 34 seconds, the episode delves into Leigh’s multifaceted life. From her athletic roots to her pivotal role in her daughter Anna Leigh Waters’ rise as the world’s top pickleball player, Leigh shares her experiences with candor and depth. The conversation explores themes of family support, athlete development, the mental game, and the business of pickleball, offering listeners a rich portrait of a woman who has shaped the sport both on and off the court.

Time Code List:

  1. 0:00 Intro
    Kaitlyn Kerr opens the podcast with enthusiasm, introducing herself as a pickleball enthusiast who started the show to foster meaningful conversations within the sport. She highlights this as the 10th episode in the series on influential women in pickleball and introduces Leigh Waters. Leigh’s impressive resume includes her time as a Division One tennis player at the University of South Carolina, her career as a lawyer, and her success as a professional pickleball player alongside her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. Kaitlyn notes Leigh’s 2022 ACL injury, which shifted her focus to coaching Anna Leigh, pro player Christian Alshon, and the Major League Pickleball team, the New Jersey Fives. Leigh expresses excitement about joining the show, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion.
  2. 1:40 Growing Up and Family Life
    Leigh paints a vivid picture of her childhood in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, just outside Allentown. As an only child, she was close to her supportive parents, who encouraged her love of sports, inspired by her father’s own athletic prowess. She played soccer, softball, and tennis, enjoying both team dynamics and individual competition. In high school, she chose tennis over softball for college, valuing the control it offered over her outcomes. Earning a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina, she excelled in doubles with teammate Rachel Roacher, setting records that still stand. Burnout in college led her to pursue law school instead of a pro tennis career, a decision that shaped her future path.
  3. 9:00 Seasons? Rest and Recovery
    The discussion turns to the grueling pickleball schedule, with Leigh and Kaitlyn addressing the lack of an offseason. Leigh explains how Anna Leigh’s trainers struggle with the constant need to “gear up” without sufficient recovery time, impacting training and performance. They note the challenge of balancing 16+ PPA tournaments and 6-9 MLP events annually, leaving little room for rest. Leigh advocates for scheduling changes to prioritize athlete health, drawing parallels to other sports where downtime is essential.
  4. 11:00 Paddle = Key to Success
    Leigh and Kaitlyn explore the critical role of paddle choice in pickleball success. Referencing Federico’s risky switch to a less effective paddle, Leigh stresses that the paddle is a player’s “key to success.” She shares how Anna Leigh’s agent advised prioritizing paddle performance over lucrative deals, ensuring she maintains her competitive edge. The conversation underscores the balance between innovation and reliability in equipment decisions.
  5. 12:30 Parental Influence
    Kaitlyn praises Leigh and her husband Stephen for their sacrifices in supporting Anna Leigh’s career, mirroring Leigh’s own upbringing. Leigh reveals Stephen’s parallel journey as a top junior golfer, supported by his parents, and their meeting through South Carolina athletics. Their shared understanding of athletic demands has unified their approach to parenting Anna Leigh, emphasizing support without pressure.
  6. 14:50 The Business Side of Pickleball
    Leigh details how Stephen’s business background complements her legal and coaching skills in managing Anna Leigh’s career. They alleviate logistical stresses—like travel and tournament prep—allowing Anna Leigh to focus on playing. Leigh contrasts this support with the isolation many pros face, highlighting how their teamwork enhances Anna Leigh’s success.
  7. 17:40 Nature vs Nurture
    Leigh examines the blend of genetics and environment in Anna Leigh’s achievements. She credits “nature” for Anna Leigh’s athletic genes— inherited from Leigh’s multi-sport father and Stephen’s golfing prowess—and “nurture” for their supportive parenting. They provided diverse sports opportunities and top coaches, fostering Anna Leigh’s talents without forcing specialization.
  8. 20:30 Developing an Athlete
    Leigh advocates for a multi-sport approach to athlete development, drawing from Anna Leigh’s experience in soccer, tennis, and pickleball. She emphasizes building a broad athletic foundation before specializing, noting how Anna Leigh’s soccer IQ enhances her pickleball court vision. Kaitlyn agrees, sharing her own multi-sport background and its benefits.
  9. 24:30 Balancing Protection and Freedom
    Leigh reflects on the challenge of protecting Anna Leigh while granting her autonomy, especially as a young pro facing adult competitors. Initially overprotective, she’s learned to ease up as Anna Leigh, now 18, matures. The RV and family support shield her from tournament pressures, allowing her to maintain focus and mental clarity.
  10. 28:40 Humble Yet Hungry
    Leigh explains how she and Stephen instilled humility in Anna Leigh, teaching her to respect others regardless of success. Anna Leigh’s hunger stems from an innate drive to improve, evident in her refusal to concede points even in practice. Leigh marvels at this competitiveness, which she believes is largely self-fueled.
  11. 34:00 ALW’s Training Regimen
    Leigh outlines Anna Leigh’s training, which balances gym work (2-4 hours daily) with on-court sessions (up to 2 hours, 4-6 days weekly). Adjusted after a knee injury, the focus has shifted from movement to shot-making and strategy. Variety and fun prevent burnout, with Leigh tailoring drills to Anna Leigh’s needs, emphasizing technique learned from her tennis roots.
  12. 39:15 ALW’s Team
    Leigh describes Anna Leigh’s support team: two trainers (one for mechanics, one for therapy), a mental coach, Leigh as coach, Stephen for logistics, and Eric, the RV driver who reduces physical strain. This collective effort ensures Anna Leigh’s holistic well-being amidst a demanding schedule.
  13. 42:00 Mental Strength
    Leigh highlights the mental coach’s role in equipping Anna Leigh with quick, effective techniques to manage stress and reset during matches. She credits this mental resilience—demonstrated in a comeback from a 9-4 deficit—for Anna Leigh’s success, asserting that mental fortitude often trumps physical skill in pickleball.
  14. 49:15 Transition to Coaching
    Leigh recounts her shift to coaching after a 2022 ACL injury ended her planned final playing year. Already coaching Anna Leigh in singles and mixed doubles, she embraced the role fully, finding new challenges and joy in guiding players despite initial disappointment over retiring.
  15. 52:45 Meeting Christian Alshon
    Leigh shares how she began coaching Christian Alshon post-injury, recognizing his potential. Their connection, through pickleball circles, marked the start of a mentorship focused on elevating his game.
  16. 58:20 Christian’s Potential
    Leigh praises Christian’s athleticism, length, and work ethic, predicting a bright future if he refines his skills. She sees him as a rising star capable of challenging top players with continued development.
  17. 1:03:30 Coaching Christian
    Leigh details coaching Christian, focusing on shot development (e.g., two-handed backhand) and adaptability (playing both sides). She adjusts her approach to his quieter demeanor, offering strategic insights to enhance his singles and doubles play.
  18. 1:06:30 The Importance of Chemistry
    Leigh emphasizes chemistry’s role in doubles success, citing Anna Leigh and Ben Johns’ unbeatable partnership. She notes that on- and off-court rapport often outweighs individual skill, a key factor in MLP team victories.
  19. 1:08:15 What can ALW and Christian work on?
    For Christian, Leigh targets his two-handed backhand and left-side play to boost versatility. For Anna Leigh, she focuses on serve tweaks, power in singles, and agility post-injury, encouraging her to keep innovating shots to stay dominant.
  20. 1:17:20 Future of Coaching in Pickleball
    Leigh envisions a growing coaching presence as pickleball professionalizes, akin to tennis. New rules allowing between-point coaching and MLP team coaches signal this shift, though she notes the emotional and financial barriers to widespread adoption.
  21. 1:22:30 How The Waters Think About Choosing Partnerships
    Leigh explains selecting sponsors like Fila and PaddleTek based on Anna Leigh’s belief in their products and mutual long-term commitment. Authenticity and family-like relationships guide their choices, ensuring alignment with her values.
  22. 1:24:20 Investment Opportunities in Pickleball
    Leigh discusses a cautious approach to investing in pickleball, favoring companies that support Anna Leigh (e.g., facilities) over speculative ventures. Balancing sport growth with financial prudence, they diversify into stocks and Anna Leigh’s personal brand.
  23. 1:31:00 The Importance of Playing with Passion
    Leigh attributes Anna Leigh’s success to her early passion for pickleball, played for fun before money entered the sport. This love, rooted in family vacations, contrasts with newer pros driven by contracts, giving her a unique edge.
  24. 1:34:50 ALW’s Goal Next 5 Years?
    Leigh shares Anna Leigh’s aim to stay atop pickleball, though she counsels that winning 51% suffices. Acknowledging last year’s unsustainable dominance, Leigh encourages resilience amid inevitable losses as the sport grows tougher.
  25. 1:38:00 Is Singles Worth It?
    Leigh questions singles’ viability for Anna Leigh due to its physical toll and scheduling conflicts (e.g., four matches daily). With rivals skipping singles and no extra rewards, she debates its worth despite Anna Leigh’s Triple Crown drive.
  26. 1:43:00 Favorite Drills for Amateurs
    Leigh recommends consistency drills (e.g., 100 dinks under pressure), weapon development (tailored to individual strengths), and hand-speed exercises (e.g., wall drills) for amateurs. These build skills critical to modern, fast-paced pickleball. (Read Article)
  27. 1:48:15 Gucci!, Fashion, and Design
    Leigh reveals her passion for fashion and design, sparked in college and fueled by a past clothing line venture. Her iconic Gucci style, embraced post-playing, offers a creative outlet and fan connection, blending sporty flair with luxury.

In-Depth Summary:

This episode of "Talk Pickle To Me" provides a comprehensive exploration of Leigh Waters’ journey, from her athletic beginnings to her influential role in pickleball. Growing up in Pennsylvania with supportive parents, Leigh excelled in tennis at South Carolina before burnout led her to law, setting the stage for her later pickleball career with daughter Anna Leigh. Her 2022 ACL injury pivoted her to coaching, where she now shapes Anna Leigh’s dominance and Christian Alshon’s potential. The podcast delves into family dynamics, with Leigh and Stephen’s sacrifices mirroring their own upbringings, creating a nurturing environment for Anna Leigh’s blend of natural talent and honed skill. Key discussions include the sport’s demanding schedule, the mental edge provided by coaching, and the strategic business decisions behind partnerships and investments. Leigh’s insights on training, chemistry in doubles, and the evolving role of coaches reflect her forward-thinking approach, while her passion for fashion adds a personal flair. As pickleball grows, Leigh’s story underscores the power of passion, resilience, and support in achieving—and sustaining—excellence, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for players and enthusiasts alike.


Time Code Link List

  1. 0:00 Intro
  2. 1:40 Growing Up and Family Life
  3. 9:00 Seasons? Rest and Recovery
  4. 11:00 Paddle = Key to Success
  5. 12:30 Parental Influence
  6. 14:50 The Business Side of Pickleball
  7. 17:40 Nature vs Nurture
  8. 20:30 Developing an Athlete
  9. 24:30 Balancing Protection and Freedom
  10. 28:40 Humble Yet Hungry
  11. 34:00 ALW’s Training Regimen
  12. 39:15 ALW’s Team
  13. 42:00 Mental Strength
  14. 49:15 Transition to Coaching
  15. 52:45 Meeting Christian Alshon
  16. 58:20 Christian’s Potential
  17. 1:03:30 Coaching Christian
  18. 1:06:30 The Importance of Chemistry
  19. 1:08:15 What can ALW and Christian work on?
  20. 1:17:20 Future of Coaching in Pickleball
  21. 1:22:30 How The Waters Think About Choosing Partnerships
  22. 1:24:20 Investment Opportunities in Pickleball
  23. 1:31:00 The Importance of Playing with Passion
  24. 1:34:50 ALW’s goal next 5 years?
  25. 1:38:00 Is Singles Worth It?
  26. 1:43:00 Favorite Drills for Amateurs
  27. 1:48:15 Gucci!, Fashion, and Design
click to listen
Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove 


Verse 1:
Yo, Leigh Waters, she’s the name you know,
From tennis courts to pickleball glow.
Division One, she played the game,
South Carolina, earned her fame.
But burnout hit, she switched the lane,
Lawyer life, but sports still reigned.

Then pickleball came callin’ strong,
With Anna Leigh, they’d play along.
ACL tear, yeah, that was tough,
But Leigh bounced back, she’s built real tough.
From player to coach, she made the shift,
Now she’s guidin’ pros, givin’ ‘em a lift.

Chorus:

Leigh Waters, she’s the courtside queen,
Pickleball’s heart, she’s livin’ the dream.
Passion on fire, she’s breakin’ the scene,
With love for the game and a style so clean.
Yeah, Leigh Waters, she’s the one to see,
From the courts to the fam, she’s the MVP.

Verse 2:

Family first, that’s the Waters way,
Stephen by her side, every single day.
Anna Leigh’s rise, she’s the world’s top star,
But it’s mom and dad who got her this far.
Soccer, tennis, pickleball too,
They let her choose, let her dreams come true.
Nature, nurture, it’s a perfect blend,
With love and support, there’s no need to pretend.

Bridge:
Now she’s coachin’ Christian, yeah, he’s on the rise,
With Leigh in his corner, he’s reachin’ the skies.
Strategy, heart, she’s got the plan,
Turnin’ pros to legends, that’s the master’s hand.

Verse 3:
But wait, there’s more, she’s got that flair,
Gucci style, she’s rockin’ it everywhere.
Fashion and design, it’s her creative side,
From courts to the runway, she’s takin’ it in stride.

Outro:
So here’s the lesson, from Leigh’s own groove,
Find your passion, make your move.
Whether it’s sports or somethin’ new,
Live it like Leigh, and you’ll break through.
Yeah, talk pickle to me, baby!

(Humming fades out)
Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm, yeah, yeah…

Analytical Article: How the Song Was Constructed from the Article

The song "Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove" was crafted by drawing on key details from the podcast transcript about Leigh Waters’ life, translating her story into a 300+ word, 90's rap-style song with an upbeat, jazzy vibe. Below, I explain how specific elements from the article were selected and woven into the song’s structure and lyrics.

Title and Tone

The title, "Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove," reflects Leigh’s shift from player to coach ("courtside") and her dominant presence in pickleball ("queen"). "Groove" hints at the song’s jazzy, rhythmic feel, aligning with her energetic personality. The 90's rap style—marked by rhymes, storytelling, and a fast pace—was chosen to make it catchy and celebratory, mirroring Leigh’s vibrant life.

Song Structure

The song follows a classic rap structure: an intro with humming, three verses, a chorus, a bridge, and an outro. This mirrors the podcast’s flow, starting with Leigh’s athletic background, moving through her family and coaching roles, and ending with her personal passions.

  • Intro (Humming): The humming sets a mellow, jazzy tone before the rap kicks in, fulfilling the query’s request and creating a smooth entry into Leigh’s story.
  • Verse 1: Athletic Journey
    This verse covers Leigh’s tennis days at South Carolina, her burnout, brief stint as a lawyer, and transition to pickleball after an ACL injury (e.g., transcript time codes 1:4049:15). Lines like "From tennis courts to pickleball glow" and "ACL tear, yeah, that was tough" use rhymes and a narrative flow to highlight her resilience.
  • Chorus: Celebrating Influence
    The chorus is a rhythmic tribute to Leigh’s passion and impact on pickleball, with phrases like "courtside queen" and "livin’ the dream" reflecting her dedication (e.g., 1:31:00). Its repetitive, upbeat nature makes it memorable, a nod to 90's rap hooks.
  • Verse 2: Family Dynamics
    Focusing on family, this verse highlights Stephen’s support and Anna Leigh’s rise as a top player (e.g., 12:3017:40). "They let her choose, let her dreams come true" captures their parenting philosophy, with rhymes like "way" and "day" keeping the pace lively.
  • Bridge: Coaching Impact
    The bridge spotlights Leigh’s coaching of Christian Alshon (e.g., 52:45), emphasizing her strategic influence. "Turnin’ pros to legends" showcases her legacy, with a slightly slower tempo for emphasis, a common rap technique.
  • Verse 3: Fashion and Design
    This verse highlights Leigh’s love for fashion and design (e.g., 1:48:15), with "Gucci style" adding flair. It ties her creativity to her athletic life, using playful rhymes like "flair" and "everywhere."
  • Outro: Call to Action
    The outro inspires listeners to follow their passions, echoing Leigh’s example. The line "talk pickle to me, baby" playfully references the podcast title, wrapping up with humming to bookend the song.

Rap Elements and Vibe

The song uses 90's rap staples—internal rhymes (e.g., "game," "fame"), a fast-paced rhythm, and storytelling—to keep it upbeat. The jazzy vibe comes from the humming and the energetic delivery, reflecting Leigh’s dynamic spirit. Specific details, like her ACL injury and family support, were chosen to show her depth, while her fashion passion added a fun, personal layer.

In conclusion, the song weaves Leigh Waters’ athletic journey, family life, coaching success, and creative flair into a cohesive, 90's rap narrative, using the podcast interview as a rich foundation for its lyrics and structure.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Anna Leigh Waters Triple Crown List (2022-2025)

 

Anna Leigh Waters Triple Crown List (2022-2025)

2022 Triple Crowns

  1. March – PPA Riverland Open

  2. April – PPA Red Rock Open

  3. August – PPA Tournament of Champions

  4. September – PPA Peachtree Classic

  5. October – PPA Las Vegas Championships

  6. November – PPA Texas Open

  7. November – Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships

  8. December – PPA National Championships

2023 Triple Crowns

  1. January – PPA Hyundai Masters

  2. February – PPA Desert Ridge Open

  3. March – PPA ONIX Austin Showdown

  4. May – PPA North Carolina Open

  5. May – PPA Atlanta Open

  6. June – PPA Texas Open

  7. June – PPA Orange County Cup

  8. July – PPA Denver Open

  9. July – PPA Seattle Open

  10. August – PPA Kansas City Open

  11. September – PPA Cincinnati Open

  12. October – PPA Las Vegas Championships

  13. November – PPA Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships

  14. November – CIBC PPA Tour Finals

2024 Triple Crowns

  1. January – PPA The Masters (Palm Springs, CA)

  2. January – PPA Desert Ridge Open (Phoenix, AZ)

  3. February – PPA Mesa Open (Mesa, AZ)

  4. April – PPA North Carolina Cup (NC)

  5. June – PPA Sacramento Open (CA)

  6. June – PPA Orange County Cup (San Clemente, CA)

  7. August – PPA Las Vegas Open (NV)

  8. September – PPA Atlanta Slam

  9. October – PPA Virginia Beach Cup

  10. December – PPA San Clemente (CA)

2025 Triple Crowns

  1. January – The Masters (Rancho Mirage, CA)

  2. March – PPA Cape Coral Open (FL)

Triple Crown Players Singles Matches

  1. March 2022: PPA Riverland Open – Lea Jansen

  2. April 2022: PPA Red Rock Open – Lea Jansen

  3. August 2022: PPA Tournament of Champions – Lea Jansen

  4. September 2022: PPA Peachtree Classic – Callie Smith

  5. October 2022: PPA Las Vegas Championships – Catherine Parenteau

  6. November 2022: PPA Texas Open – Lea Jansen

  7. November 2022: Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships – Lea Jansen

  8. December 2022: PPA National Championships – Salome Devidze

  9. January 2023: PPA Hyundai Masters – Lea Jansen

  10. February 2023: PPA Desert Ridge Open – Catherine Parenteau

  11. March 2023: PPA ONIX Austin Showdown – Catherine Parenteau

  12. May 2023: PPA North Carolina Open – Lea Jansen

  13. May 2023: PPA Atlanta Open – Mary Brascia

  14. June 2023: PPA Texas Open – Lea Jansen

  15. June 2023: PPA Orange County Cup – Catherine Parenteau

  16. July 2023: PPA Denver Open – Irina Tereschenko

  17. July 2023: PPA Seattle Open – Lea Jansen

  18. August 2023: PPA Kansas City Open – Catherine Parenteau

  19. September 2023: PPA Cincinnati Open – Catherine Parenteau

  20. October 2023: PPA Las Vegas Championships – Catherine Parenteau

  21. November 2023: PPA Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships – Catherine Parenteau

  22. November 2023: CIBC PPA Tour Finals – Catherine Parenteau

  23. January 2024: PPA The Masters – Catherine Parenteau

  24. January 2024: PPA Desert Ridge Open – Mary Brascia

  25. February 2024: PPA Mesa Open – Mary Brascia

  26. April 2024: North Carolina Cup – Catherine Parenteau

  27. June 2024: PPA Sacramento Open – Catherine Parenteau

  28. June 2024: PPA Orange County Cup – Catherine Parenteau

  29. August 2024: PPA Las Vegas Open – Kate Fahey

  30. September 2024: PPA Atlanta Slam – Parris Todd

  31. October 2024: PPA Virginia Beach Cup – Brooke Buckner

  32. December 2024: PPA San Clemente – Parris Todd

  33. January 2025: PPA Masters Rancho Mirage – Kaitlyn Christian

  34. March 2025: PPA Cape Coral Open – Lea Jansen

Total Triple Crown Singles Matches Against Each Opponent

  • Catherine Parenteau – 15

  • Lea Jansen – 7 (Anna Leigh won her 1st and 34th Triple Crown against Lea)

  • Mary Brascia – 4

  • Parris Todd – 2

  • Salome Devidze – 1

  • Callie Smith – 1

  • Irina Tereschenko – 1

  • Kate Fahey – 1

  • Brooke Buckner – 1

  • Kaitlyn Christian – 1

ALW Singles Losses 2022-2024

  1. June 2022 PPA Orange County Coup: Anna Leigh Waters vs Parris Todd

  2. March 2023 PPA Florida Open: 5:42:51 Anna Leigh Waters vs Catherine Parenteau (Winners/Errors) (Kloss Stats/Analysis)

  3. August 2023 PPA Takeya Showcase4:50:18 Anna Leigh Waters vs Tyra Black (Highlight Reel)

  4. May 2024 PPA Carvana Arizona Grand Slam (Time Code Highlight List), Salome Devidze vs Anna Leigh Waters (SF)  8-11, 11-5, 11-7. 

Sunday, March 9, 2025