Anna Leigh Waters: The Teenage Phenom Dominating Professional Pickleball
At just 17, Waters has become the sport's most prominent figure, earning over $3 million in 2024 and surpassing the earnings of many top female athletes in more established sports.
Anna Leigh Waters, a 17-year-old pickleball sensation, has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of her sport, both in terms of performance and earnings. In 2024 alone, she amassed over $3 million through tournament victories and a series of lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as FILA, Paddletek, Lock Laces, Cetaphil, Biofreeze, Collectbobbles, and Shiseido. (Source: TalkSport)
Waters' earnings notably eclipse those of her peers in other women's sports. For instance, WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese earned $76,535 and $73,439 respectively in their inaugural seasons, highlighting the financial opportunities emerging within professional pickleball. (Source: TalkSport)
Turning professional at the age of 12, Waters became the youngest pro in pickleball history. Her journey began serendipitously when she filled in for her mother's doubles partner at the 2018 Texas Open, leading to a silver medal and the realization that she was ready for professional play. (Source: Wikipedia)
Currently, Waters holds the No. 1 global ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her aggressive playing style, characterized by strength and speed, has set her apart on the court. Off the court, her marketability has soared, with her agent, Kelly Wolf, describing her as a "cottage industry" due to the unprecedented level of sponsorships she commands within the sport. (Source: TalkSport)
Balancing her athletic career with personal interests, Waters was homeschooled by her grandmother and enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with friends. Her mother, Leigh Waters, a former Division I tennis player at the University of South Carolina, serves as her coach and occasional doubles partner, contributing significantly to her development and success in the sport. (Source: Wikipedia)
Together, the mother-daughter duo has played a pivotal role in elevating pickleball's profile, with Anna Leigh Waters emerging as the sport's most recognizable face and a testament to its growing popularity and professional opportunities.
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