Interview with Leigh Waters and Anna Leigh Waters at the PPA Daytona Beach Open
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!
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