Under the Brightest Lights, a Familiar Cheer for Pickleball’s Brightest Star
At the Veolia Lakeland Open, Anna Leigh Waters collected another triple crown — this time with family in the stands, reminding her how far the sport, and her story, have traveled.
Introduction:
Being the world’s top-ranked pickleball player comes with a particular weight: every point scrutinized, every appearance amplified. For Anna Leigh Waters, the 18-year-old phenomenon who has come to define the modern game, that attention is now routine. But at the recent Veolia Lakeland Open, amid the noise and expectation, there was something different in the crowd — the presence of family, and with it, a quieter kind of pressure that only familiarity can bring.
Waters has never lacked an audience. Since her teenage rise to the top of the sport, she has played before packed bleachers and streaming cameras, her aggressive precision and tactical calm turning pickleball into appointment viewing. Lakeland was no exception. As the No. 1 player in the world, every move she made felt observed, evaluated, and, more often than not, admired.
What unfolded on the courts was a familiar outcome delivered with uncommon ease. Waters swept the tournament’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles, completing a triple crown that has become a signature of her dominance. This time, the performance doubled as a personal showcase for two special spectators: her cousins, George and William Waters, who watched from the stands as she carved through the field.
“I love having them here,” Waters said, noting the convenience of Florida tournaments and the comfort of seeing familiar faces.
George and William Waters understand elite athletics in their own right. Soccer players at the University of Tampa, the brothers grew up immersed in sport and now share something rare: the chance to compete together at the collegiate level. Their father once did the same, playing college golf alongside his own twin — a family throughline that ties generations together through shared fields and fairways.
Competition, they say, is the family language. Whether as children roughhousing in the backyard or as adults chasing higher standards, the instinct to measure oneself against the nearest rival never fades.
Watching their cousin dominate a professional sport brings a mix of awe and humor. There is pride in seeing a relative reshape a game, and just enough bravado to imagine, jokingly, a hypothetical challenge. They know better, of course. Waters’ rise has been too swift, her control too complete.
What stands out to them most is not just the winning, but the way she has become a symbol — a young athlete pushing pickleball beyond novelty and into the sporting mainstream.
In Lakeland, Waters was not just collecting medals; she was expanding the sport’s footprint. Her presence turned the tournament into a local event with national resonance, a reminder that pickleball’s growth is being carried forward by players who look comfortable under both scrutiny and celebration.
The Veolia Lakeland Open offered a snapshot of where pickleball stands — and where it is headed. At its center was Anna Leigh Waters, the sport’s most visible figure, reaffirming her supremacy with a triple crown performance that looked almost effortless. Yet the weekend was about more than titles. With her cousins George and William Waters in attendance, the event highlighted the family roots and athletic lineage that underpin her success.
Their shared background — generations of competitive athletes, siblings pushing each other, and pride balanced with playful rivalry — mirrors the qualities that have shaped Waters herself. As her cousins observed from the stands, they saw not only a champion, but a trailblazer helping move pickleball into the cultural mainstream.
In Lakeland, Waters’ dominance was expected. What lingered was the sense that her influence now extends beyond wins and rankings. She is not just the best player in the world; she is a connective figure, linking family, community, and a rapidly growing sport — and doing so with the poise of someone already accustomed to being watched.
In a move that underscores the rapid ascent of pickleball from recreational pastime to professional powerhouse, Anna Leigh Waters, the sport's undisputed top-ranked player, has signed a long-term partnership with Franklin Sports. The announcement, made Thursday from Franklin's headquarters in Stoughton, Mass., pairs the 18-year-old phenom with a brand that has been at the forefront of pickleball's equipment evolution since 2017. As Waters prepares to turn 19 on January 26, this collaboration not only cements her status as a trailblazer but also highlights the growing commercial stakes in a game that has exploded in popularity across the United States and beyond.
Franklin Sports, a venerable name in sporting goods with roots dating back to 1946, revealed the deal in a statement that emphasized mutual ambition. Adam Franklin, the company's president, described Waters as embodying "remarkable talent, competitive spirit, and passion for the game," qualities that align with Franklin's ethos of supporting athletes from backyard enthusiasts to elite pros. The agreement comes at a pivotal moment for pickleball, which has seen participation surge by over 200 percent in recent years, drawing comparisons to the early boom of tennis in the 1970s.
Under the terms of the partnership, Waters will compete using advanced iterations of Franklin's C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle, a thermoformed carbon weave technology that has become a staple on the professional circuit. This shift in equipment is more than cosmetic; it's a strategic endorsement of Franklin's innovation pipeline, which Waters cited as a key factor in her decision. "Performance was a priority," she said in the release, praising the company's commitment to pushing boundaries in paddle design.
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Waters' Historical Pickleball Journey
Anna Leigh Waters' journey to the pinnacle of pickleball reads like a script from a sports underdog story, albeit one accelerated by precocious talent and multi-generational family support. Introduced to the game in September 2017 by her grandfather when she and her mother, Leigh Waters, evacuated Florida during Hurricane Irma. Ten year old Anna Leigh instantly transitioned from novice to prodigy at her first tournament a month later, winning a gold medal at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic. Teaming initially with her mother—who now serves as her coach and manager—the duo pioneered an aggressive, high-velocity style winning the Pro Women's Doubles World Championship in 2019.
By age 18, Waters has amassed a staggering 181 gold medals on the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, including 39 career triple crowns—a feat unmatched in the sport's young history. Since 2022, she has held the No. 1 ranking in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a trifecta that places her in rarified air. Her fan base, drawn to her fiery on-court demeanor and off-court accessibility, spans generations, inspiring young players to pick up paddles in parks and community centers worldwide. As pickleball courts proliferate—from urban rooftops to suburban cul-de-sacs—Waters has become the face of its democratization.
Franklin Sports entered the pickleball arena in 2017 with the launch of its X-40 ball, which swiftly earned official status from USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open Pickleball Championships. This foothold has expanded into a comprehensive product line, including paddles, bags, nets, and accessories, positioning Franklin as a global leader amid fierce competition from brands like Selkirk and Joola.
The Waters partnership builds on Franklin's roster of sponsored athletes, which includes pros from the PPA, APP, and international tours. Beyond equipment, the deal promises collaborative product development: Waters will co-design a signature line of paddles, bags, and accessories tailored to both competitive and casual players. Additionally, the duo plans to introduce a new pro-level pickleball to complement the X-40, aiming to set new standards in durability and performance.
This alliance also extends to broader initiatives, such as international marketing campaigns and athlete-led clinics, designed to fuel pickleball's global expansion. With the sport eyeing Olympic inclusion—potentially as early as 2032—Franklin's investment in Waters signals a bet on pickleball's enduring appeal.
The partnership's emphasis on "athlete insights, product testing, and innovation" suggests a hands-on role for Waters in shaping Franklin's future offerings. She expressed enthusiasm for the familial vibe of the Franklin team, noting an "immediate connection" that fostered trust. Joint efforts will focus on elevating performance across skill levels, from beginners tweaking their dinks to pros mastering third-shot drops.
On the horizon, expect Waters and Franklin to embark on international visits, promoting the sport in emerging markets like Europe and Asia, where pickleball is gaining traction amid a post-pandemic fitness boom. This global push aligns with Waters' vision of inspiring a new wave of players, much as she was once inspired by her family's impromptu introduction to the game.
Anna Leigh Waters' alignment with Franklin Sports represents more than a sponsorship deal; it's a confluence of youthful dominance and established expertise that could accelerate pickleball's maturation as a mainstream sport. At 18, Waters has already rewritten the record books, her 181 golds and 39 triple crowns underscoring a dominance that rivals early-career legends in tennis or golf. Franklin, with its proven track record—starting with the X-40 ball and expanding to premium gear—gains a charismatic ambassador whose aggressive playstyle and fan engagement amplify its brand.
The collaboration's multifaceted scope, from co-designed signature products to a new pro ball and international outreach, positions both parties to capitalize on pickleball's explosive growth. Participation has ballooned to over 36 million players in the U.S. alone, per recent industry reports, driven by its accessibility, low-impact appeal, and social nature. Yet challenges remain: standardizing equipment regulations, expanding professional infrastructure, and navigating rival leagues like the PPA and Major League Pickleball (MLP), where Waters has excel.
Critics might view such deals as commercialization encroaching on a grassroots game, but proponents argue they inject resources needed for sustainability. For Waters, this partnership marks a "next chapter" prioritizing performance and shared vision. As she approaches her 19th birthday, her trajectory suggests not just sustained success but a lasting legacy—one that could see pickleball courts as ubiquitous as basketball hoops. Franklin's bet on her? A calculated play in a sport where the net is low (34 inches), but the stakes are rising.
2026 PPA Tour Professional Events
| Dates (2026) | Event Name | City, State |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 12–18 | PPA Masters Powered by Invited | Rancho Mirage, CA PPA Tour |
| Jan 19–25 | Indoor National Championships | Lakeville, MN PPA Tour |
| Feb 9–15 | Cape Coral Open | Cape Coral, FL PPA Tour |
| Feb 16–22 | Carvana Mesa Cup | Mesa, AZ PPA Tour |
| Mar 2–8 | Newport Beach Open | Newport Beach, CA PPA Tour |
| Mar 9–15 | Veolia Texas Open | McKinney, TX PPA Tour |
| Mar 23–29 | Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort | Ivins (Greater Zion), UT PPA Tour |
| Apr 13–19 | Sacramento Open | Sacramento, CA PPA Tour |
| Apr 27–May 3 | Atlanta Pickleball Championships | Peachtree Corners (Atlanta area), GA PPA Tour |
| May 4–10 | PPA Finals | San Clemente, CA PPA Tour |
| Stage / Event | Dates | City, State | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season #1 | May 22–25 | Dallas, TX | Pickler Universe Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #2 | May 28–31 | Columbus, OH | Pickle & Chill Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #3 | June 4–7 | St. Louis, MO | Chaifetz Arena Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #4 | June 11–14 | Austin, TX | Austin Pickle Ranch Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #5 | June 18–21 | St. Petersburg, FL | St. Pete Athletic Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #6 | June 25–28 | New York, NY | Sportime Randall’s Island Major League Pickleball |
| Mid-Season Tournament | July 8–12 | Grand Rapids, MI | Belknap Park Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #7 | July 16–19 | Newport Beach, CA | Tennis & Pickleball Club Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #8 | July 23–26 | TBA | TBA Major League Pickleball |
| Regular Season #9 | July 30–Aug 2 | Orlando, FL | ESPN Wide World of Sports (Disney) Major League Pickleball |
| Playoffs #1 | Aug 6–9 | Dallas, TX | Pickler Universe Major League Pickleball |
| Playoffs #2 | Aug 13–16 | San Diego, CA | Barnes Tennis Center Major League Pickleball |
| Playoffs #3 – Finals | Aug 28–30 | New York, NY | CityPickle at Wollman Rink Major League Pickleball |
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.
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.
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.
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%+.
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.
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.
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!
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!
