Waters Duo Strikes Gold: A Holiday Triumph in Daytona Beach
Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters Capture Victory in a Thrilling Women's Doubles Final at the PPA Daytona Beach Open
In a match brimming with emotion, resilience, and pure family chemistry, Leigh Waters and her daughter, world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters, claimed the gold medal at the PPA Daytona Beach Open. Facing the formidable team of Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black, the mother-daughter duo came from behind to secure a stunning 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 victory.
This unexpected pairing, born from a spontaneous decision just weeks ago, turned into a heartwarming and triumphant story. Leigh Waters, stepping back into professional play for the first time since 2022, reminded fans why she was once the best in the game, while Anna Leigh proved why she continues to dominate the sport. Together, they delivered an unforgettable performance on Florida soil, leaving the crowd cheering for more.
Post Match Interview
Dave Fleming: Leigh Waters, you are the champions in Daytona! How in the world did this happen?
Leigh Waters: Honestly, Dave, I’m still pinching myself. This all started because Anna Leigh asked me a couple of weeks ago, “Mom, there’s a tournament in Florida. Let’s go play and have some fun.” And now, somehow, here we are with a gold medal! It’s been such an incredible ride, and I couldn’t be happier.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, what was the difference today against such a talented team?
Anna Leigh Waters: The first game and a half, Tyra and Jorja were playing amazing. We weren’t having fun—we were putting way too much pressure on ourselves. Then my mom looked at me and said, “Anna Leigh, you’re playing with your mom. Just have some fun out there.” That totally changed my mindset. I had a couple of scrappy points, Mom hit some great speed-ups, and we found our rhythm. By the third game, I was even singing Hamilton to myself to stay loose. Once we settled in, everything just clicked.
Dave Fleming: Leigh, it’s been 25 months since your last PPA title. How did you hold up your end of the bargain today?
Leigh Waters: It’s all about knowing my role. When I try to be the star, that’s when things go wrong. But when I focus on being the supporting act—making my shots, setting Anna Leigh up, and waiting for my moment to speed up—that’s when we’re at our best. And really, I just wanted to savor this experience with her. Winning the whole thing? That’s the cherry on top.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, I have to ask. You’ve won with Mom. Does this mean we’ll see this partnership again?
Anna Leigh Waters: (Laughing) Sorry, Catherine! No, I’m playing with Catherine Parenteau all next year. The only reason I asked Mom to play this event was that Catherine didn’t want to. But hey, if this tournament is around Christmas next year and Catherine doesn’t want to play again, maybe I’ll call Mom. I knew she still had it in her, and I’m just so grateful we got to share this moment together.
Dave Fleming: Leigh, what’s next for you? Back to coaching, or will we see you playing more often?
Leigh Waters: (Smiling) Coaching, for sure. This was so special, but my focus is on Anna Leigh’s career. A couple of tournaments a year might be fun, but I’m happy wearing the coaching hat most of the time. And trust me, it’s a lot less nerve-wracking than being out on the court myself!
Dave Fleming: Well, you both were phenomenal today. Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters, congratulations on an incredible victory here in Daytona. You’ve given us all a holiday memory to cherish.
Leigh Waters: Thank you so much, Dave, and thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It’s been an amazing week.
Anna Leigh Waters: Yes, thank you all so much! The crowd was incredible, and we’re so grateful for the support. It means the world to us.
Under the shimmering Florida sun at the PPA Daytona Beach Open, pickleball history was made. Leigh Waters, 45, and her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, 17, defied expectations by winning the Women’s Doubles title in a gripping final against Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black. With scores of 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, and 11-4, the mother-daughter duo not only claimed victory but also reignited the magic of their partnership after a two-year hiatus from playing together. The triumph showcased not just their skill but also their unique bond, leaving fans inspired and cheering for more.
Leigh and Anna Leigh’s path to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. The duo hadn’t competed together in a professional setting since 2022, making their return at this tournament all the more special. Anna Leigh’s regular partner, Catherine Parenteau, opted out of the event, giving Anna Leigh the perfect opportunity to coax her mother back onto the court. “Mom, there’s a tournament in Florida. Let’s go play and have some fun,” Anna Leigh recounted during the post-match interview. What began as a fun holiday outing turned into a golden performance that captivated the crowd.
In the quarterfinals, the Waters duo faced sisters Mary and Maggie Brascia, delivering a commanding 11-3, 11-7 victory. Leigh, who had been away from professional competition for two years, displayed an impressive range of shots, from forehand speed-ups to overhead slams. Anna Leigh, already the world’s top-ranked player, seamlessly adjusted her aggressive style to complement her mother’s game. “We move pretty seamlessly on the court together,” Anna Leigh said. Their synergy proved unstoppable as they advanced to the semifinals.
Against formidable opponents in the semifinals, the Waters faced even greater challenges but stayed true to their philosophy of playing with joy. “When we’re having fun, that’s when we play our best,” Leigh explained. The pair’s chemistry and resilience were evident as they clinched their spot in the finals, thrilling fans with their dynamic play.
The championship match against Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black tested the Waters’ resolve. The first game slipped away as their opponents came out swinging, taking it 7-11. “We weren’t having fun; we were putting too much pressure on ourselves,” Anna Leigh admitted. But everything changed after a mid-match pep talk. Leigh encouraged her daughter to embrace the moment and enjoy playing together.
From the third game onward, the Waters found their rhythm. Anna Leigh’s powerful drives and Leigh’s strategic setups created a winning combination. By the final game, the duo was unstoppable, dominating 11-3 and 11-4 to secure the gold. Anna Leigh, ever the competitor, even credited a loop of Hamilton songs running through her head for keeping her calm under pressure.
For Leigh, the victory was deeply personal. It marked her first title in 25 months, a drought she had hardly expected to end with a win alongside her daughter. “I just wanted to have a blast out here with her,” Leigh said. “Never expected to win the darn thing, but here we are.” The win was a poignant reminder of the bond they share, both as family and teammates.
Anna Leigh’s post-match reflections were equally heartfelt. “I asked her to play because I knew she had it in her to come out here and win the thing. She’s a baller,” Anna Leigh said, thanking the crowd for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
The PPA Daytona Beach Open will be remembered not just for its thrilling matches but for the heartwarming story of Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters. Their journey from a casual decision to play together to winning a gold medal is a testament to the power of family, teamwork, and perseverance. As the holiday season continues, fans are left wondering: Could this iconic duo take the court together again?
Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters’ victory at the PPA Daytona Beach Open was more than a win; it was a story of resilience, joy, and family unity. After a two-year hiatus, Leigh returned to professional pickleball to partner with her daughter, the world’s top player. Despite initial nerves and a slow start in the finals, the pair found their stride, blending skill and strategy to overcome tough opponents. Leigh’s role as the steadying force and Anna Leigh’s aggressive play proved to be the perfect combination.
The tournament highlighted not only their on-court prowess but also the unique dynamics of their relationship. From Anna Leigh’s Hamilton-inspired focus to Leigh’s strategic mindset, the duo demonstrated that fun and connection can lead to greatness. Their victory is a shining example of what can happen when talent meets heart, leaving fans inspired and eager for more appearances from this legendary team.
Dave Fleming: The comeback is roaring into the semifinals! Leigh Waters is back playing alongside her daughter, Anna Leigh, for the first time in two years on the PPA Tour. Their quarterfinal victory over Mary and Maggie Brascia, 11-3, 11-7, sends them into the next round. Leigh and Anna Leigh, congratulations!
Leigh, I’ll start with you. You told me earlier to remind everyone this is “just for fun.” So, tell us—are you having fun out there?
Leigh Waters: I’m having a blast! How can you not when you’re playing next to your kid right here? We’re working hard to play our best pickleball, but we’re also making sure to enjoy it and keep things light. That’s when we play our best, and I think we’re doing a good job at that so far.
Dave: Anna Leigh, your mom has shown us quite the variety—forehand speedups, overheads, tricky lobs. What’s your favorite shot of hers? Which one puts a big smile on your face?
Anna Leigh Waters: Oh, definitely the forehand speedup. She hit one crosscourt, then one down the middle, and then one down the line—it’s impossible to predict! I don’t know how she does it, and even though she’s tried to teach me, I just can’t seem to learn it.
What’s really cool is how similarly we play. We were practicing with Will Howells before the tournament, and he said, “This is basically Anna Leigh 2.0.” Then he was like, “Wait, no—it’s just two Leighs on the court. She came first!” [laughs]
I think playing with her is special because we know each other’s tendencies so well. It’s almost seamless. We’ve been doing great, and I asked her after this match if she was tired. She said, “No,” so let’s go—bring on the next one!
Dave: Anna Leigh, a lot of fans would love to know—are you playing any differently with your mom by your side compared to with Katherine?
Anna Leigh Waters: Not really. Katherine and I usually play straight up, and my mom wanted to play the same way for this tournament. The main difference is that I might be taking slightly less court because she plays better when she’s hitting more balls and getting into a rhythm.
I’m trying to let her do her thing without stepping in too much or confusing her, though I’ve done that a couple of times [laughs]. We’re focused on staying aggressive and not getting caught in too many long dink rallies. Just grip it and rip it—that’s the plan!
Dave: Leigh, last question for you. You’ve been balancing roles as coach, mom, and now player. How are you managing to juggle everything, especially in a high-stakes quarterfinal match?
Leigh Waters: It’s been tough, honestly. Over the past few days, I’ve noticed I’ve been more focused on myself than on Anna Leigh, which feels strange. For example, earlier today, Anna Leigh left with my parents, and I stayed back with my husband, Stephen. As we were getting ready to leave, he was like, “Do you have your shoes? Your gear?” And I realized—usually, I’m the one packing everything! We even had to call her a few times asking where things were.
I think playing a couple of tournaments a year is a nice balance for me. But after this, I’ll happily go back to my coaching and “mom” roles full-time.
Dave: Well, you’ve shown us you haven’t missed a step. Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters, congratulations on moving into the semifinals! Best of luck in the next round!
Round Of 16
Michelle McMahon: It’s a true holiday special here at the Daytona Beach Open presented by Roar Organics. We’ve witnessed the highly anticipated mother-daughter reunion of Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters, back in action for the first time since 2022. In their home state, no less, the duo is moving on to the round of 16 after an impressive 11-2, 11-3 win over Kelsey Laurente and Samantha Greenhut. Joining me now to talk about their grand return is Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters.
Michelle: Leigh, starting with you—what inspired your decision to return to the PPA tour for this event? Was it Anna Leigh heckling you to play, or was there something else behind the decision?
Leigh Waters: Honestly, it was just the fact that she asked me. I knew Katherine [Parenteau] wasn’t playing, and I actually thought this was going to be our break. We were planning out what to do during the downtime, and then two weeks ago, Anna Leigh said, “Mom, let’s play.” I was like, “A little notice would’ve been nice!” [laughs] But honestly, it worked out because I didn’t have much time to overthink or get nervous about it.
I just want to say thank you so much to the crowd for coming out and cheering us on. It warms my heart so much to see everyone still remembers me. Truly, thank you!
Michelle: Love it. It really is such a special moment to witness a mom and daughter competing together at the professional level. Anna Leigh, you’ve often credited your mom for the meteoric rise you’ve had in the sport. What makes it so special to play alongside the woman who helped you get here?
Anna Leigh Waters: For sure. I mean, when I was 10 or 11, I was lucky enough to be invited to her groups and to play games with her. Then we started competing together, and she was number one in the world before I was, so I definitely looked up to her a lot.
It feels pretty surreal playing on the court with her now. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m dreaming—like, “Is this actually happening? Is this real?” I just tried to soak it all in out there. I’m so glad we were able to get that win and bring back some of those special memories.
Michelle: Leigh, I saw a lot of family support on the sidelines today. Stephen was all smiles, and Anna Leigh’s grandmother was there too. What was their reaction to seeing you back on the court?
Leigh Waters: They were just excited! Like Anna Leigh said, this brings back so many memories—some we’d almost forgotten because now she’s out there playing full-time, and I’m coaching. But playing together again reminds us of how special those years were. We wanted to bring that back for the holiday season, and it’s been such a joy to do it here.
Michelle: Love that. Give it up for the iconic mother-daughter duo, Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters! A well-deserved standing ovation here at Daytona Beach—it’s been an absolute thrill to watch you both. Congratulations on moving on to the round of 16!
Record-Breaking Performances Highlight a Stellar Season
In 2024, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns solidified their status as premier athletes on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.
Waters amassed 42 gold and 4 silver medals across 17 tournaments, excelling in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Notably, she achieved 9 Triple Crowns, elevating her career total to 30.
Johns secured 32 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze over 20 tournaments, with significant victories in singles, doubles alongside his brother Collin, and mixed doubles, primarily partnering with Waters. He also earned a Triple Crown in North Carolina, marking the 21st of his career.
Both athletes enter the 2025 season with over 130 career titles each, underscoring their dominance in professional pickleball.
