1:25 Travis - Kansas City was crazy. It was the hottest it's been in Kansas City for a five-day stretch in 30 years with 105 degrees, 75-70 humidity, on court temperature was 114-115. He talks about his mixed doubles experience with Jade Kawamoto, where they had a significant win against Anna Bright and James Ignatowich. However, they lost to Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in the semifinals. Travis expresses admiration for Anna Leigh, describing her as a "different animal" due to her exceptional ability to counter and play tactically off the bounce.
Anna Leigh Waters: Rising Star of Pickleball Awaits Mother's Return
In the world of professional pickleball, one name has been making waves like never before - Anna Leigh Waters. At just 16 years old, she has risen to become the world's number one pro pickleball player. Recently, she secured her spot as a finalist in the pro women's singles at the PPA Kansas City Open, a testament to her remarkable talent and determination. Championship Sunday looms, and Anna Leigh Waters is ready to shine.
Anna Leigh's journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. Her meteoric rise in the sport has earned her a legion of fans, both young and old, captivated by her incredible skill and unwavering spirit. The Kansas City Open has been no exception, with pickleball enthusiasts eagerly watching her every move.
However, Anna Leigh's journey has not been without its challenges. Her mother, Leigh Waters, was her longtime partner on the court, and together, they formed the formidable number one women's doubles team in the world. Tragically, Leigh suffered a torn ACL during the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships while playing mixed doubles with Tyson McGuffin, bringing her 2023 season to an abrupt halt.
For Anna Leigh, the absence of her mother has been a bittersweet experience. On one hand, it presented her with an opportunity to prove herself as a formidable singles and doubles player, a challenge she has met with grace and tenacity. On the other hand, it meant that the dynamic duo, known for their exceptional chemistry on the court, was temporarily separated.
In a recent interview that has captured the hearts of pickleball enthusiasts around the globe, Anna Leigh opened up about her journey and her deep desire to see her mother back on the court. She expressed her hope that Leigh would make a triumphant return, even if it's just for one tournament. Anna Leigh believes her mother deserves to exit the sport on her own terms, not due to injury.
"I just don't want her to go out on not her own terms," Anna Leigh said. "I want her to be able to come back to play a tournament. If we win it, she's here to stay. If we get second, she might still be here to stay. If we get third, she might still be here to stay."
The mother-daughter bond in pickleball is a special one, and Anna Leigh's sentimentality towards playing alongside her mother is evident. She highlighted the unique joy she derives from competing with Leigh, emphasizing that it's a different experience compared to partnering with other players.
"Playing with Anna (Bright) and Catherine (Parenteau) is fantastic, but playing with your mom is just something really special," Anna Leigh explained.
The pickleball community eagerly awaits Leigh Waters' return to the court. Her presence has been sorely missed, not only for her undeniable talent but also for the heartwarming mother-daughter dynamic that has added a unique layer of emotion to the sport.
As Anna Leigh Waters gears up for Championship Sunday at the PPA Kansas City Open, she carries with her not only the weight of her aspirations but also the hopes of seeing her mother by her side once more. The world watches with bated breath as this rising star continues to etch her name in the annals of pickleball history, all the while cherishing the dream of a heartfelt reunion on the court.
Pickleball Phenom Anna Leigh Waters: A Teen Taking Over the CourtIn a sports world often dominated by well-established athletes and seasoned professionals, one name is breaking the mold and making waves in a rather unexpected arena: pickleball. This vibrant and fast-growing sport has found an unlikely prodigy in the form of 16-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, who is single-handedly challenging the notion that pickleball is just a pastime for retirees. With an impressive track record and unwavering dedication, Waters is making a name for herself both on and off the court.
Waters' journey into the world of pickleball began in 2017 when her family had to evacuate their home in Florida and found refuge in Pennsylvania. Little did she know, this change in scenery would lead to a lifelong passion. Introduced to the sport by her grandfather, Waters initially resisted the idea, dismissing it as an activity suited for an older demographic. However, her grandfather's persistence paid off, and after just a few rounds on the court, Waters was hooked.
"I want to play all the time," she exclaimed with youthful exuberance, capturing the essence of her newfound passion.
Waters' mother, a professional pickleball player herself, was quick to recognize her daughter's potential. It didn't take long for Waters to challenge her mother's skills, a move that caught both players off guard. "I had to face her in a singles tournament, and she beat me," Waters shared, still carrying a trace of the competitive frustration from that encounter.
But rather than sparking rivalry, this mother-daughter duel fueled a shared journey. Her mother became her doubles partner, and together, they achieved remarkable success, rising through the ranks to become the number one doubles team in the world. And by the time she turned 16, Waters had cemented her position as the number one singles player.
"It is mind-blowing. I'm happy every time I step on the court," Waters said with genuine enthusiasm, her determination evident in every word.
Her passion has led her to travel for 32 weeks a year, balancing her athletic pursuits with her education as she hits the road. Beyond her personal achievements, Waters is using her pickleball prominence to give back to the sport she loves. She dedicates time to teaching the younger generation at kids' clinics, imparting her skills and passing on the thrill of the game to others.
In San Francisco's Oracle Park, Waters is something of a celebrity, her name resonating with fans young and old. However, despite her accomplishments, Waters reveals an unexpected quirk – she feels more at ease around older individuals. "When I talk to kids my age, I get nervous. I don't know how to talk to kids my age," she admitted. Yet, her ability to connect with those of varying ages only adds to her charm.
Described as an old soul in a young body, Waters is off to an impressive start in what many would consider a retirement hobby. And while her journey is still unfolding, her dreams are grand. Waters envisions a future where pickleball becomes an Olympic sport, and she can proudly represent the United States on the international stage. While pickleball has yet to achieve Olympic status, its rapid growth leaves the door open for possibilities.
As Anna Leigh Waters continues to push boundaries and shatter stereotypes, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes everywhere. With unwavering determination and a unique ability to bridge generational gaps, Waters' story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the love of the game.
0:00 Why do you play pickleball?0:21 How do you get ready for a tournament?0:53 How has pickleball changed over time? 1:50 What is something people may not know about you?2:01 Who is your celebrity crush?2:31 What is your daily regimen like? 3:01 What is some good advice for going pro? 3:18 Is it hard being famous at a young age?3:46 What is something people may not know about you?4:22 Talk about being sixteen4:57 What does our partnership look like this year?
Pickle4America™, a rapidly emerging organization dedicated to building the best ecosystem in the sport of pickleball through iconic events and a robust digital community, today announced that professional pickleball player and coach Leigh Waters will join the Pickle4 team as strategic advisor and investor. (Read More)
