Sunday, December 29, 2019

World Pickleball Championship

Team Waters won a Silver Medal in the Pro Women's Doubles Bracket at the 2019 World Pickleball Championship in Punta Gorda, FL.


Match Highlight Reel: Anna Leigh Waters, 12/Leigh Waters vs Lindsey Newman/Catherine Parenteau




Match Highlight Reel: Irina Tereschenko/Denise Dy vs Anna Leigh Waters, 12/Leigh Waters




Sunday, December 22, 2019

Mother-Daughter Duo Honored For 2019 Professional Pickleball Achivements

Press Release:

Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters are on the 
January 2020 Pickleball Magazine cover 

Mother-Daughter Duo Honored For
2019 Professional Pickleball 
Achievements 

(DELRAY BEACH, FL - JANUARY 5, 2020) ---  Anna Leigh Waters,12, and her mother Leigh Waters,40, were selected as Pickleball Rocks 2019 Players Of The Year. 

The dynamic duo are also on the Pickleball Magazine January 2020 cover.


Pickleball Rocks: "People loved watching the obvious positive connection and the way they worked perfectly together to win tournament after tournament, including the world’s biggest pickleball stage, the USA Nationals at Indian Wells, CA. Besides all the people who cast their votes for Team Waters, what caught our attention, was the wonderful mother/daughter and family connection that was present every time we personally saw them on the tournament trail.  The perfect example for future family pickleball teams.


This pair entered 9 Open Women Doubles events, playing against the strongest women’s teams in the world and came home with 9 medals:  4 Golds, 4 Silvers and 1 Bronze."
"Wow!!! What an honor!! Simply amazing!! Thanks so much to Pickleball Rocks," states Leigh Waters. "Your kind words in your article warmed our hearts!!!"

In the summer of 2017, Anna Leigh and Leigh evacuated to Leigh’s father's home in Pennsylvania due to Hurricane Irma. While there, he introduced them to pickleball.

“Anna Leigh started playing pickleball the same day I did in Pennsylvania,” Leigh explains. “I can’t tell you what an absolute privilege it is to get to play with her. She amazes me every time I step on the court with her. She is smart, encouraging, and her skills just keep getting better. Having her by my side on the court is so comforting and I have total confidence in her. We have that mother/daughter intuition that helps us play as a true team on the court. Winning a Major title together is something that we set out to do.”

In the November/December Pickleball Magazine article, Raising Waters, Leigh stated: "Every day feels like a gift for us. We are so grateful to our family, friends, and supporters for making this possible." 

Team Waters 2019 Interview Highlight Reel 

Digital Press Kit (Interviews, Tournament Videos, Photos, Schedule) 

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Mother, daughter win natonal pickleball title

Sun Sentinel, Delray Beach, FL


“This was the first year I even started playing with my mom and this is the first year I turned pro,” Anna Leigh said. “She had been playing the year before that. We played a tournament and got silver together and we said we are just going to keep playing together. It’s easy and we can travel together.”

"You do it with your mom and you win a pro medal,” she continued, “even if it is not a national tournament and you win a pro medal in anything, it’s great, but because it was nationals, it was even better.” (Read More)

AI Assisted Summary Article (November 2024)
From Hurricane Escape to Championship Glory: The Inspiring Rise of a Mother-Daughter Pickleball Duo

Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters' Journey from a Chance Discovery to National Titleholders in Professional Pickleball

Introduction:
What began as a spontaneous introduction to pickleball while escaping Hurricane Irma has transformed into a national success story for 40-year-old Leigh Waters and her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. Just five years after they first picked up a paddle, this mother-daughter duo claimed the Women’s Pro Division title at the prestigious Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships in California. Their story isn’t only about winning but about family, passion, and their role in shaping the future of pickleball—a sport once limited to older players but now attracting a younger, more competitive crowd.


A Sport Discovered by Chance

In 2017, Hurricane Irma’s approach disrupted life for millions, including the Waters family in Delray Beach, Florida. With the storm nearing and power outages imminent, Leigh Waters, her 10 year old daughter Anna Leigh, evacuated to her father’s home in Pennsylvania. Leigh’s husband, Stephen, stayed behind to manage their business and look after their dog, Maggie. It was during this unexpected road trip that Leigh’s father, Neil Eichelberger, introduced them to pickleball, a sport neither of them had previously considered.

“We played for like two weeks straight and we were hooked from then,” Anna Leigh recalled. What began as a way to pass the time quickly became a shared passion. Both mother and daughter were natural athletes, but they soon discovered that pickleball provided something unique—a blend of skill, strategy, and fun that sparked a deeper commitment.

Winning at the Professional Level

Fast-forward to November at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, where Leigh and Anna Leigh claimed the national title in the Women’s Pro Division. Facing seasoned players Jessie Irvine and Catherine Parenteau, they emerged victorious, sealing a 6-11, 11-8, 11-8 win to take home the championship trophy. For Anna Leigh, the victory was particularly meaningful.

“I won with my mom, and that was a pretty amazing experience,” she said, noting the joy of celebrating their win together as fans cheered them on. Winning a pro medal would have been incredible on its own, but to do it at the national level was beyond their expectations. “To be able to play a sport with your kid is amazing,” Leigh added. “To do it at a professional level… we are making memories every day that are irreplaceable.”

Anna Leigh’s Unusual Path to Professional Status

At just 12 years old, Anna Leigh found herself at the top of a sport primarily known for attracting older players. She is a dedicated eighth-grader and also plays soccer and tennis, yet pickleball has captured her heart. Unlike most of her peers, Anna Leigh is homeschooled by her grandmother, Ann Eichelberger, a retired schoolteacher. This arrangement allows her to focus on her athletic career, and she’s already a year ahead, set to graduate next year.

Anna Leigh has relished the chance to play alongside—and against—older, more experienced opponents. Her rapid rise in pickleball, a sport traditionally reserved for older athletes, is emblematic of the new energy young players bring to the game. “Once you get on the court, you will just love it,” she explained, hoping her journey inspires other young players. For her, the sport’s appeal lies in its accessibility and versatility. “I think any age can play it, and there are many levels,” she added.

The Power of Family Dynamics

The Waters family’s athletic roots run deep. Leigh played Division 1 tennis at South Carolina, while her husband competed in Division 1 golf. Though she hadn’t expected Anna Leigh to reach pro status so quickly, Leigh is proud of her daughter’s achievements and resilience. “She’s so poised on the court and can handle playing adults, many of whom were professional tennis players,” Leigh said. “I am very proud of her.”

This shared journey has strengthened their bond both on and off the court. The duo’s complementary styles—Leigh’s experience and Anna Leigh’s youthful agility—create a unique synergy. Their strong familial connection enables them to anticipate each other’s moves, a key element to their success.

Growing Pickleball’s Youth Presence

The Waters family’s achievements have contributed to a growing youth presence in pickleball, spurred by the increasing popularity of junior tournaments and efforts to attract young players. Glenn Kessler, president of the Delray Beach Pickleball Club, has witnessed this evolution firsthand. “We are very happy seeing the younger people get involved,” Kessler noted, pointing out the record-breaking 507 participants at the recent Delray Beach tournament. To foster this growth, Kessler and the Delray Beach Pickleball Club are actively working on plans to expand facilities, including additional courts that would support after-school programs for young players.

Kessler believes that with expanded facilities, tournaments could become even more inclusive, welcoming over 550 participants. As pickleball’s profile rises nationwide, the Waters family’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the sport’s broad appeal, its growing competitive landscape, and its unique ability to bridge generations.


The Waters’ journey underscores the transformative power of pickleball, a sport they discovered by accident yet fully embraced. For Anna Leigh, playing professionally alongside her mother is more than a dream come true; it’s the realization of a shared passion, built on trust, love, and the thrill of competition. Their success story shows that pickleball is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to build memories, foster youth engagement, and bridge generations in a sport that’s just getting started.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Pickleball Magazine January 2020


Dynamic Duos!

Nationals was double the fun with some fierce pairs, including Ben Johns, who won Men's Pro Singles and Doubles (with Kyle Yates), Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters, who took gold in Women's Pro Doubles (Read Article)

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The Pickler I Met: Anna Leigh Waters - The Future of Pickleball


November 2017 The Pickler I Met: Anna Leigh Waters - The Future of Pickleball

By Stacie Townsend
Anna Leigh was my first tournament Pickler. By this I mean, she was my partner for my first official pickleball tournament. Until I met Anna Leigh, I (at the age of 29) had yet to feel old on the pickleball court. However, Anna Leigh, who is 10 years old, races around the pickleball court with more exuberance and more grace than me (whether now or ever). With help from her tennis background, Anna Leigh has a knack for ripping forehands and backhands right at her unexpecting opponents, while constantly carrying a smile and keeping her blonde braid intact under her Pickler visor. (Read More) Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic Thu 11/16/17 thru Sun 11/19/17 Womens Doubles Skill/Age Groups 3.0:8-49,50-99 Gold: Stacie Townsend/Anna Leigh Waters Mixed Doubles Skill/Age Groups 4.0:8-49 Gold: Leigh Waters/Neil Eichelberger (Leigh's Father) Women's Open $$$ Gold: Catherine Parenteau /Abbie David Silver: Andrea Koop/Sara Remynse

Monday, December 9, 2019

2019 Delray Beach Gunther Pickleball Classic


Hundreds are set to play in Delray Beach Gunther Pickleball Classic tournament this weekend December 5-8

Professional pickleball players will be playing in this week’s event. Local mother-daughter team Leigh and 12-year-old Anna Leigh Waters said they are excited to play at home again.

“We just won Nationals at the pro level as a mother-daughter team,” said Waters.


Women's Doubles Pro
Leigh Waters/Anna Leigh Waters,12 vs Martina Kochli/Michelle Esquivel


WPTV: Mother-daughter team Leigh and 12-year old Anne Leigh Waters, said they were excited to play at home again:

It's just been unbelievable and the fact that Anna Leighis 12 years old and I'm 40 years old.

She's the youngest professional player and the two of us actually won nationals a few weeks ago at the pro level in Indian Wells California.

So, we're really kind of making waves and showing that anybody of any age can play this sport. (Leigh Waters)

The Delray pickleball Club hosted the event. Over 500 players participated.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Team Waters 2019 Interviews Highlight Reel


Saturday, November 30, 2019

Delray Beach Pickleball Club 2019 National Champions Banner

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing
November 29, 2019: The Delray Beach Pickleball Club honored club members Leigh
and Anna Leigh Waters today at their home courts at the Delray Beach Tennis Center by unveiling this fabulous banner for their 2019 National Championship.  

Image may contain: 1 person, playing a sport and tennis

Leigh Waters: We had quite the surprise from Delray Beach Pickleball Club this morning! We are so thankful for the amazing banner and support from our pickleball family!! (Video)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Pickleball Magazine - Rising Waters


Anna Leigh Waters - One of Pickleball's Youngest Players - Is A Force To Be Reckoned With

Article: Rising Waters by Mark Berton, Pickleball Magazine 2019 Nov/Dec

"Every day feels like a gift for us," says Leigh.
"We are so grateful to our family, friends, and supporters for making this possible."

Article Link List 
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling

Saturday, November 16, 2019

2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships Women's Doubles Pro Gold Medal Match


November 9, 2019 Women's Doubles Pro Gold Medal Match Point 
Anna Leigh’s 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships Medals Bronze Women's Doubles Skill/Age 5.0:19+ (with Christine McGrath)
Leigh’s 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships Medals Gold Women's Doubles Skill/Age 5.0:35+ (with Simone Jardim) Gold MIxed Doubles Skill/Age 5.0 35+ (with Jeffrey Warnick)



Womens Doubles Pro Gold Medal Match Highlight List

Anna Leigh Waters,12/Leigh Waters vs Jessie Irvine/Catherine Parenteau

Commentators: Simone Jardim, Mark Renneson, Melissa McCurley

8:53:51 Game 1
8:58:58 Fast and Furious at the Non Volley Zone Line (NVZ) 8:59:59 Anna Leigh rips a winner down the middle
9:00:34 Nice get by Catherine as the ball hits the net
9:01:42 Jessie hits an overhead for a winner
9:02:37 Anna Leigh speeds up the pace
9:04:14 Rippin It at the NVZ Line
9:05:45 Team Waters defend from the baseline
9:08:00 Simone explains Anna Leigh rolling her shot crosscourt
9:08:26 Anna Leigh speed up the pace
9:09:13 Amazing 40 shot rally
9:13:25 Game Point



9:15:04 Game 2
9:17:21 Leigh poaches the ball at the NVZ for a winner
9:18:05 Ref dances during time out
9:23:31 Jessie volleys at the net and then hits a winner
9:24:17 What a shot by Jessie down the line
9:26:46 Anna Leigh hits an off pace ball down the middle for a winner
9:29:53 Game Point


Image may contain: 1 person
(Photo Credit: Carl Schmits, ProPickleball) Anna Leigh rips a two handed backhand
9:32:03 Game 3
9:32:34 Fast and Furious at the Non Volley Zone Line
9:34:52 Leigh hits a winner down the middle
9:36:39 Anna Leigh hits a double handed backhand volley down the middle for a winner
9:40:37 Catherine hits a winner down the middle
9:42:44 Leigh poaches with a forehand down the middle for a winner
9:43:04 Down 5-6-1 Team Waters heats up their intensity
9:43:27 Jessie hits a soft backhand winner down the line
9:43:50 Anna Leigh soft looper hits the baseline for a winner and celebrates by putting her fist in the air
9:45:43 Leigh hits a backhand winner in the back court corner
9:48:44 Leigh hits a nice overhead at an angle for a winner
9:49:27 The Waters 1-2 punch for 9-8-2
9:49:54 Anna Leigh speeds up the ball. Jessie hits it wide - Team Waters put their fists in the air. Anna Leigh lets out a yell 10-8-2
9:50:20 Championship point - Leigh Waters serving

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Twelve Year Old Anna Leigh Waters Wins National Pro Pickleball Title With Her Mom

Press Release:


Anna Leigh Waters, 12, and Leigh Waters Win National Women’s Pro Doubles Title
(Photo Credit: Carl Schmits, ProPickleball)


Twelve Year Old Anna Leigh Waters Wins National Pro Pickleball Title With Her Mom 


INDIAN WELLS, CA (November 14, 2019) -  On Saturday night, Anna Leigh Waters,12, and her mother, Leigh Waters, won the 2019 Women’s Doubles Professional National Title at the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. 


The annual tournament was held for the second year at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.


In the Gold medal match, the dynamic mother-daughter duo lost the first game 6-11 to opponents  Jessie Irvine, 30, and Catherine Parenteau,25, but their high intensity play allowed them to win the next two games and the National Women’s Doubles Pro Title: 11-8, 11-8. 


Leigh also won a Gold Medal with Simone Jardim in Women's Doubles Skill/Age 5.0:35+ (Video Highlight) and Jeffrey Warnick in MIxed Doubles Skill/Age 5.0 35+. Anna Leigh won a Bronze Medal with Christine McGrath in the Women's Doubles Skill/Age 5.0:19+ bracket (Video Highlight). 

The National Champions talked about winning their title and how Anna Leigh balances her professional pickleball career with school during the Katlyn Christian vs Michelle Esquivel Women’s Singles Pro Match  Live @ Nationals YouTube live stream.


Anna Leigh Waters Is Interviewed By Simone Jardim


Simone Jardim Pickleball (September 2019)

NOTE: Simone is the number one female Pickleball player in the world.

  1. 0:11 How long have you been playing Pickleball?
  2. 0:27 The first time we met was at East Naples...
  3. 1:21 When did you decide to play a tournament?
  4. 2:35  When was the time when you realized that this was much cooler - faster
  5. 4:08 What is your background?
  6. 5:26 What has been the highlight of playing Pickleball?
  7. 5:42 What has been one of your lowest points?
  8. 6:36 What are some of your goals?
  9. 7:21 What about playing with your daughter?
  10. 10:25 What about the struggles of every day? 
  11. 11:48 What do you enjoy doing off the court?
  12. 12:56 What would you like to see with pickleball?

Anna Leigh Waters Is Interviewed By Simone Jardim


Simone Jardim Pickleball (September 2019)

NOTE: Simone is the number one female Pickleball player in the world.

0:30 How did you start playing pickleball? 1:05 What did you think of first when you started playing pickleball? 1:22 What other sports do you play? 1:31 What is your favorite sport? 1:53 How does soccer help playing pickleball? 2:27 How does pickleball help soccer? 2:54 How does pickleball help tennis? 3:56 What is the best thing about pickleball? 4:12 What about playing with your mom? 5:07 What is the most difficult thing about being mother/daughter on the court? 5:54 Have you played mixed doubles against each other? 6:35 What do you guys like to do together when you aren't playing pickleball? 7:07 Who picks your clothes? 7:35 What are some of your hidden gems? 9:37 What is it going to take for more kids to start playing pickleball? 11:26 Where do you want to see the sport of pickleball go in the future? 11:58 Are you allowed to date? 13:17 Who do you hang out with at pickleball tournaments? 13:49 Home school? 15:30 I'm a very good rapper! 16:08 I believe that an Anna Leigh is as important for pickleball as Coco Gauff is for tennis right now

Team Waters Live Stream Q&A



0:44 When you coming to northern California??
3:15 AL talks about their new hat
3:16 Have you given any thought to doing a youth camp/clinic, or a parent/child camp/clinic?
3:19 Does AL come from a tennis background?
6:58 What do you prefer, tennis or pickleball?
7:46 Are you going to have a YouTube Channel?
8:30 Do you have other family members who play? Do you argue or get on each other’s nerves like our family does LOL?
8:36 Not related to Pickleball, but AL what position do you play in soccer?
9:35 Are you going to do regular live stream Q&A Shows?
9:53 How do you see the sport evolving over the next 10 years?
13:15 Have you guys met Coco Gauff?
13:32 Do you guys give lessons?
15:00 AL, I bought a new Teal shirt.. so make sure you get one so we can keep our matching streak going at the next tourney.
16:13 AL selects the contest winner
20:33 What age can you start playing?
22:05 Upcoming tournaments live streams