Anna Leigh Waters: The Undisputed Reign of the GOAT—A 2025 Season Timeline

 

The Pinnacle of Pickleball: A 2025 Campaign Defined by Records, Riches, and Global Dominance.

Welcome to the definitive timeline of Anna Leigh Waters’ monumental 2025 season. At just 18 years old , Waters entered the year as the reigning World No. 1 and, over the next twelve months, not only defended her title but shattered records once thought untouchable, cementing her status as the undisputed greatest of all time (GOAT) in professional pickleball. This playlist captures the defining matches, the pivotal business moments, and the lifestyle narratives that shaped the year she became the PPA Tour’s all-time gold medal leader.

January: The Prodigy Becomes the Professional Blueprint

The year kicked off not with a tournament victory, but with a deep dive into the business and mental framework behind her success. In a two-part YouTube interview published on January 7, 2025, Waters offered a rare look into her maturity as an athlete and entrepreneur. The first part, "Anna Leigh Waters: From the Youngest Prodigy to Pickleball’s #1 Player", chronicled her journey from being the youngest pro player in history to achieving the top ranking. The follow-up, "Anna Leigh Waters: Mental Toughness, Financial Wisdom, and the Future of Pickleball", established her as a thought leader, discussing the mental fortitude required for her competitive drive and the wisdom she applies to managing her seven-figure career earnings. This early media placement set a serious, professional tone for the entire season.

The Spring & Summer Grind: Sharpening the Edge

While the full tournament schedule dominated the middle of the year, early PPA events highlighted the narrow margins of Waters’ dominance. At tournaments like the PPA Masters, Waters and Ben Johns faced evolving competition, notably in their mixed doubles match against Christian Alshon and Tyra Black, where the top seeds came "painfully close" to being knocked off in the semi-finals. Even in singles, where Waters is rarely threatened, she had to battle through three-game matches against elite competition like Brooke Buckner at the Mesa Cup. These early challenges underscored the narrative that the field was indeed catching up, making her subsequent victories all the more impressive.

Q4: The Championship Season & Statistical Supremacy

Waters’ dominance reached a fever pitch during the high-stakes final quarter, where the media concentrated its coverage.

August 31, 2025: Mixed Doubles Mastery. The article "Waters, Johns dispatch Black, Patriquin in four games for mixed doubles crown" reported on her mixed doubles title in Las Vegas. This victory marked the 52nd PPA title for the partnership , where Waters’ partner Ben Johns affirmed she is "clearly the best player in the world" and is "still getting better" after four years together. This was one of the few tournaments where Waters only played a single gold medal match on Sunday, signaling the strategic intensity she brought to every bracket.

October 13, 2025: Historical Dominance in Virginia Beach. The report "Anna Leigh Waters Had Her Most Dominating Weekend In History" detailed her success at the Fasenra Virginia Beach Cup. Waters achieved her 36th career Triple Crown , securing her 162nd career gold medal. Her performance was statistically overwhelming: she remained undefeated across 16 matches (34 games) and won by a combined average score of 11-3.62 per game. Waters was noted to be on a staggering 79-match singles winning streak.

October 26, 2025: The Rate Vegas Cup Sweep. The pickleball.com article "Anna Leigh Waters sweeps the competition in Vegas, secures 37th Triple Crown"  confirmed her sixth Triple Crown of 2025. She maintained her extraordinary 44-straight finals winning streak and overcame a game-one loss with Anna Bright to win women’s doubles against Tyra Black/Parris Todd, securing her eleventh women’s doubles title of the year.

November 3, 2025: The Business of the GOAT. Just before the World Championships, the business world validated her market value. The Sports Business Journal article "Pickleball Phenom: Anna Leigh Waters is big business on and off the court" confirmed she is the highest-paid player in the United Pickleball Association (UPA), earning over $2 million annually in salary. Her total earnings are in the seven figures, and she was championed as "the Tiger Woods, the Serena Williams, of pickleball". This report was strategically timed to coincide with the end-of-year expiration of her lucrative FILA (apparel) and Paddletek (paddle) contracts, positioning her as an immensely valuable free agent.

November 9, 2025: PPA History is Rewritten. The Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships (a 3,000-point event ) marked the climax of the competitive season. In the article "Anna Leigh Waters becomes winningest player in PPA Tour history" (Entry 7), pickleball.com announced that her gold medal in women’s singles (11-4, 12-10 over Kate Fahey) officially secured her 168th career gold medal, surpassing Ben Johns’ record. This victory also completed her 38th career Triple Crown.

November 11, 2025: Worlds Recap and Competitive Fire. In the "A final look at the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships" recap, the media focused on the intensity of her competitive drive. Despite her dominance, the women's doubles semi-final against Jorja Johnson/Tyra Black was explicitly framed as the "true gold medal match," highlighting the high level of competition Waters overcomes. Her ability to rebound after losing the first game of her singles semi-final to Kaitlyn Christian (11-9, followed by 11-2, 11-6 victories) showcased her defining quality: a competitive drive that keeps her operating at 100%+.

December: Global Brand and Lifestyle

The final weeks of 2025 showcased Waters’ expanding brand influence beyond the PPA Tour.

December 2, 2025: Lifestyle Profile. The mindbodygreen profile "Anna Leigh Waters On Taking Up Space, Building Strength, & Making History" broadened her appeal, focusing on personal development, physical training, and themes of self-confidence, appealing to a wider lifestyle and wellness audience.

December 3, 2025: International Idol. The pickleball.com culture piece "Anna Leigh Waters, Leigh Waters visit pickleball facility in Italy" underscored her global status. Her surprise visit to Roma Pickleball during a vacation break generated significant buzz, with the local community viewing her as an "idol" and a "symbol" for the sport’s growth in the region. This international attention solidifies her value to sponsors seeking global reach.

December 5, 2025: Commercial Momentum. The article "Pilla PA Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright to Performance Lenses Built for Pickleball" detailed a new partnership with Pilla for high-performance lenses, indicating continued commercial strategy even as the competitive season wound down.

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Waters' 2025 Legacy:

Anna Leigh Waters’ 2025 campaign was a masterclass in athletic and commercial excellence. She surpassed legendary milestones, tied the record for the highest salary in the UPA, expanded her brand portfolio with major corporate endorsements (Delta, DoorDash, Ulta Beauty ), and successfully positioned herself as the highest-value commodity in the sport ahead of major contract negotiations. Every article and interview from this year serves as a critical chapter in the story of pickleball's most dominant star, establishing her long-term influence on the sport's global trajectory.

Watch the playlist now to relive the incredible season where Anna Leigh Waters officially became the winningest player in PPA Tour history!

Team Waters Travel To Rome, Italy

 

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The GOAT’s Secret... Ben John's Spinach Dip | IN THE KITCHEN With Anna Leigh Waters

 

Ben Johns' Famous Spinach Dip

The GOAT's Secret Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Four-Cheese Delight from In the Kitchen with Anna Leigh Waters

Join pickleball legends Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters as they whip up this creamy, cheesy spinach dip in a fun, casual kitchen session. This easy-to-make appetizer is Ben's go-to for parties and gatherings, packed with four types of cheese for ultimate indulgence. It's simple enough for beginners but guaranteed to impress with its rich flavor and bubbly texture. Perfect for holidays, game days, or any get-together— just don't forget the chips!

Ingredients

• 1 large container (about 10-12 oz) fresh baby spinach
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (3/4 cup for the mix, 1/2 cup for topping)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Tortilla chips or bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip. (Note: The exact temperature wasn't specified in the vlog, but this is a standard for hot dips like this.)
2. Sauté the spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the baby spinach. Sauté for a few minutes until it wilts down significantly (it starts as a huge pile but shrinks to a small amount). Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Drain the spinach: Remove the sautéed spinach from the skillet and drain excess moisture. Ben demonstrates a simple method: Place the spinach in a colander or on a cutting board and press it with a knife or paper towels to squeeze out the liquid. This prevents the dip from becoming watery.
4. Prepare the base mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and homogenized (smooth and evenly blended). Ben notes that recipes don't need to be exact— a little more or less cheese is fine for a unique twist each time.
5. Assemble the dip: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (such as a pie plate or small casserole dish). Spread it out evenly.
6. Add the toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top as the first layer. Then, crumble the goat cheese evenly across the surface. Finally, sprinkle the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Do not cover the dish.
7. Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, golden, and aromatic. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
8. Cool and garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes (it's very hot right out of the oven). Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness— Ben suggests sprinkling it from a height like "Salt Bae" for fun.
9. Serve: Scoop the dip with tortilla chips, bread, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy warm! Ben and Anna rated it a solid 6.6-6.7 out of 10 for cheesiness and flavor— a true crowd-pleaser.

This recipe serves 6-8 as an appetizer. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave. Pro tip from Ben: The secret is tons of cheese!

ALW Channel Episode 1: Waters Family Mac & Cheese

 

Mac, Matches and Momentum: Anna Leigh Waters Cooks Up Comfort — and Confidence — in a Debut “In the Kitchen” Episode

In her first episode, the world-class pickleball player and her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, turn a family mac and cheese recipe into a window on teamwork, competitive turning points and life off the court.

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Introduction

Anna Leigh Waters’ new show, In the Kitchen, launched with equal parts levity and candor. The 15-minute debut felt less like a how-to cooking segment and more like a compact documentary on a champion’s life: a recipe for mac and cheese braided with the story of a rising athlete, a mother-coach’s perspective and the domestic rituals that stitch family to professional sport. In a mix of flour-dusty banter and tactical talk, Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters served viewers a favorite holiday dish and a round of candid conversation — about comeback matches, ACLs, coaching quirks and how a pan of pasta can double as team-building practice.

Anna Leigh Waters Launches YouTube Channel

 

The world’s No. 1 women’s pickleball player invites fans behind the scenes of her life—on the court, in the kitchen, and everywhere in between.

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Introduction

Today, Anna Leigh Waters, the reigning queen of professional pickleball, launched her official YouTube channel, marking a new chapter in how she connects with fans. Known for her fierce competitiveness, infectious energy, and close bond with her mother and coach, Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh is now bringing that same spirit to digital storytelling. Her channel promises an insider look at life as a world champion athlete, featuring everything from tournament travel and training to family challenges and spontaneous adventures.

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“Hey Everyone!”: A Champion Greets Her Fans

In her first post, Waters opens with warmth and authenticity:

“Hey everyone! I’m Anna Leigh Waters; pro pickleball player, world champion, and all-around lover of competition, family, and fun.”

It’s a tone that immediately feels familiar to anyone who’s followed her career. Her message signals not just a media expansion, but a mission: to share her journey with the same enthusiasm she brings to every match.

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Inside the Channel: From the Court to the Kitchen

Anna Leigh’s channel will feature a blend of on-court highlights and off-court lifestyle moments, capturing the balance between high-performance sport and grounded family life.

• On-Court Moments: Expect match-day routines, drills, and tournament travel from one of the game’s most dynamic players.

• Off-Court Adventures: From cooking shows and personal challenges to collaborations with fellow athletes, she’s bringing her audience along for the ride.

• Family First: Whether teaming up with Leigh Waters or sharing playful banter with family, Anna Leigh reinforces that her strength starts at home.

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A Mission to Grow the Game

Waters has always framed her success as part of something bigger—the rise of pickleball itself. Her closing line reflects that ongoing commitment:

“My goal is to keep growing the game... one point, one laugh, and one cookie at a time.”

That phrase perfectly encapsulates her mix of competitive drive and lighthearted joy. It’s not just about winning titles—it’s about nurturing community, inspiring younger players, and making pickleball approachable and fun for everyone.

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Why This Matters: A Digital Leap for Pickleball

Anna Leigh Waters’ YouTube debut represents more than another athlete joining social media. It’s part of pickleball’s evolution from niche pastime to mainstream sport. By sharing her story directly, Waters offers fans a rare window into the sport’s professional circuit and her unique mother-daughter dynamic—an element that has defined her career since she first burst onto the scene at 11 years old.

As professional pickleball continues to grow in visibility, her channel could become a cornerstone of how new fans discover and engage with the sport’s rising culture.

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Summary

Anna Leigh Waters’ launch of her official YouTube channel is a milestone in her ongoing effort to connect with the pickleball community and beyond. The channel’s blend of competitive insight, family-centered fun, and behind-the-scenes storytelling mirrors the personality that has made her a global ambassador for the game.

With her approachable charm and relentless energy, Waters is turning YouTube into a new kind of court—one where every upload can spark a smile, teach a skill, or inspire a new fan to pick up a paddle. As she puts it, she’s growing the game “one point, one laugh, and one cookie at a time”—and that may be the most Anna Leigh Waters thing ever.

The business of Pickleball w/ world #1 Anna Leigh Waters

 

Anna Leigh Waters: The Teen Phenom Redefining Pickleball

From Accidental Discovery to Global Stardom, an 18-Year-Old Prodigy Balances Athletic Dominance and Business Savvy

In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball—a sport blending tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—few stories captivate like that of Anna Leigh Waters. At just 18, Waters has amassed a career spanning nearly a decade, earning her the title of the world's top-ranked player and positioning her as a potential all-time great. Her journey, marked by serendipitous beginnings, relentless drive, and entrepreneurial acumen, reflects the sport's explosive growth from recreational pastime to professional powerhouse. This feature explores her origins, triumphs, and insights, drawn from a candid conversation on the Athletes and Assets podcast.

00:00- Intro

• Anna Leigh Waters, 18, is the world's top pickleball player and on track to be the GOAT.
• Discussion covers her accomplishments, growing the sport, and business ventures like brand deals and equity.
• Host Noah Lack encourages likes and subscriptions for more content.

Anna Leigh Waters burst onto the scene as a prodigy, turning professional at age 11 and building a resume that includes countless titles and records. Her story intertwines athletic excellence with savvy business moves, making her a role model for aspiring athletes in emerging sports.

How Anna Leigh Waters became pickleball’s biggest star! | Presented by K...

 

0:00 Intro 0:30 Getting into pickleball 1:45 Mindset before tournaments 3:15 Becoming the face of the sport 4:45 Meeting people through playing this game 6:55 Who's your dream mixed doubles partner? 7:25 Game day playlist 8:15 Favorite TV shows 9:25 What's next for Anna Leigh Waters?