Anna Leigh Waters: The Teen Phenom Redefining Pickleball

From Accidental Discovery to Global Stardom, an 18-Year-Old Prodigy Balances Athletic Dominance and Business Savvy

In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball—a sport blending tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—few stories captivate like that of Anna Leigh Waters. At just 18, Waters has amassed a career spanning nearly a decade, earning her the title of the world's top-ranked player and positioning her as a potential all-time great. Her journey, marked by serendipitous beginnings, relentless drive, and entrepreneurial acumen, reflects the sport's explosive growth from recreational pastime to professional powerhouse. This feature explores her origins, triumphs, and insights, drawn from a candid conversation on the Athletes and Assets podcast.

00:00- Intro

Anna Leigh Waters, 18, is the world's top pickleball player and on track to be the GOAT.
Discussion covers her accomplishments, growing the sport, and business ventures like brand deals and equity.
Host Noah Lack encourages likes and subscriptions for more content.

Anna Leigh Waters burst onto the scene as a prodigy, turning professional at age 11 and building a resume that includes countless titles and records. Her story intertwines athletic excellence with savvy business moves, making her a role model for aspiring athletes in emerging sports.

00:30- crazy summer

Invited as the first pickleball player to the ESPYs.
Participated in the MLP Final Four.
Threw the first pitch at a Cubs game.

Waters described her whirlwind summer as enviable even for adults, highlighting high-profile events that blended sports and celebrity. These moments underscored her rising status beyond the court.

00:54- 7th inning stretch

Sang the seventh inning stretch at a Cubs game, unprepared and tone-deaf, in front of 38,000 fans.
More nervous about singing than throwing the first pitch.
Family connection: Grandfather was drafted by the Cubs; previously threw pitch for Marlins.

The impromptu performance became a memorable career highlight for Waters, blending nerves and nostalgia in a packed Wrigley Field, far eclipsing her pitch-throwing duties.

02:27- Pickleball origin story

Discovered pickleball at age 10 during Hurricane Irma evacuation at a YMCA.
Initially thought it involved hitting a pickle; dismissed as a senior sport.
Influenced by tennis-playing mom; switched from tennis due to greater enjoyment.

What began as a storm-induced diversion evolved into a passion, with Waters and her family hooked after their first plays, shifting her from tennis ambitions to pickleball dominance.

05:00- Going pro at 12

Turned pro at 11 by accident, filling in for mom's partner and finishing second.
Balanced with soccer and tennis initially; youngest pro athlete compared to Messi or LeBron.
Nearly a 10-year career at 18, feeling like a veteran.

Her accidental pro debut marked the start of a storied career, defying age norms and establishing her as a trailblazer in a nascent professional scene.

06:35- Homeschooled

Homeschooled after hating traditional school due to "mommy-itis."
Grandmother, a teacher, handled education; allowed flexibility for sports.
Pros: Socialized through team sports; cons: Potential isolation if not active.

Homeschooling provided Waters the freedom to pursue athletics intensely, mitigating social drawbacks through extracurriculars while fostering her competitive edge.

08:05- Pickleball elevator pitch

Easy to learn but hard to master; requires athleticism often underestimated.
Show pro videos to demonstrate intensity; advise physical prep to avoid injury.
Appeals to all levels, from casual to elite.

Waters pitches the sport as deceptively demanding, urging skeptics to experience its physical rigor firsthand to appreciate its professional legitimacy.

09:42- Pickleball training

Post-training soreness varies: Legs (quads, calves, everything) after intense singles.
Discovers "new muscles" from low stances and sprints.
Training adjusts for different intensities, from drilling to full matches.

Rigorous sessions reveal pickleball's full-body demands, with Waters emphasizing preparation to counter perceptions of it as low-effort recreation.

11:05- People doubting Anna Leigh's skills

Frequent DMs and challenges claiming they could beat her, often as pickup lines.
Recently crushed a confident challenger 11-1.
Doubters underestimate pro-level speed and spin.

Persistent skepticism fuels humorous yet annoying encounters, highlighting the gap between recreational and professional play that Waters routinely bridges.

12:42- Michael Phelps

Played with Phelps, who lacked confidence due to no hand-eye coordination from swimming.
Nice guy; childhood idol from Olympics.
Contrasted with overconfident Cubs coaches.

Celebrity matchups like Phelps showcase varying athlete adaptations, with Waters appreciating his humility amid her own prowess.

13:38- Regulation pickleballs

Two leagues (MLP, PPA) use different balls: PPA's heavier, wind-resistant; MLP's lighter, faster.
Pros adjust easily; bouncier recreational balls harder for control.
Detects differences instantly, like Steph Curry sensing court flaws.

Ball variations add strategic layers, with Waters adept at adapting, underscoring the sport's evolving professional standards.

15:38- Coolest celeb ALW has played with

Jamie Foxx sang post-match, blending talents.
Met influencers and athletes at events.
Collaborated with Andre Agassi on posts merging tennis and pickleball.

High-profile plays with stars like Foxx amplify pickleball's appeal, creating memorable crossovers that boost visibility.

16:30- ESPYs

Star-struck by influencer Pookie and athlete Alex Morgan.
Photo with Carlos Alcaraz at NYC event; DM'd for a match.
Shane Gillis' monologue was funny and appropriate for her age.

The ESPYs represented a pinnacle, mingling with idols and influencers, marking pickleball's entry into mainstream sports culture.

17:34- Jamie Fox

Foxx owns a paddle company, courts at home; deeply invested in pickleball.
His involvement, like Kardashians during COVID, helps grow the sport.
Posts by celebs increase visibility.

Foxx's enthusiasm exemplifies how celebrity endorsements propel pickleball's popularity, aligning with Waters' growth efforts.

18:11- Pickleball advice

Play multiple sports to avoid burnout; discovered love for pickleball at 15.
Don't want success too desperately; pressure hinders achievement.
Focus on enjoyment and hard work; no secret sauce.

Waters advises young aspirants to diversify sports for longevity, emphasizing passion over obsession in individual pursuits.

20:17- Coach mom

Mom, a former D1 tennis player, coaches intensely, knowing when to yell.
Provides needed motivation; stoic but effective.
Crucial for mental toughness in solo sports.

Her mother's dual role as coach and parent delivers tailored guidance, enhancing Waters' performance through understood dynamics.

21:30- Favorite division to play in

Prefers whichever she's excelling in at the tournament.
Better at singles overall, but doubles more fun.

Division preferences fluctuate with performance, balancing skill mastery in singles with enjoyment in doubles.

21:51- Improving

Focus on strength, speed; nuanced shots and strategies.
Brainstorms with mom on evolving tactics in a young sport.
Competitive with self, always finding improvements.

Ongoing refinement targets physical and tactical growth, adapting to pickleball's undefined optimal playstyles.

23:15- Trailblazing the sport

No training blueprint; figuring out with PT and trainers.
Pioneered aggressive play, shifting from soft dinks.
Debates ideal body type: Tall for reach or short for low ground.

As a pioneer, Waters shapes pickleball's future, experimenting with strategies and physiques in an uncharted athletic landscape.

25:05- Biggest change in sport

Game faster due to better technology, balls, and athletic players.
Matches from 2-3 years ago look significantly different.
More athleticism enhances visual appeal.

Rapid evolution has intensified play, transforming pickleball into a dynamic spectacle driven by innovation and talent.

25:56- GOAT pickleball player

Consistency key; hopes records unbreakable.
Avoids pressure on medals; enjoys the ride.

Aiming for GOAT status involves sustained excellence without overwhelming self-imposed expectations.

26:39- Pickleball and business

Homeschooled but gained "street education" in business via networks.
Met billionaires; mom's law background aids contracts.
Equivalent to college through experiences.

Pickleball's business side has educated Waters in entrepreneurship, leveraging connections for real-world savvy.

28:05- Negotiation tactic

Always ask for more than desired, expecting counters.
Prioritize brand love over high pay.

Strategic negotiations emphasize value alignment and over-asking to secure favorable terms.

28:18- Brand Deals

Loves aligned products; minimizes time commitments.
Guided by family, Vayner Sports; avoids exploitation.
Involved in decisions for better alignment.

Selective deals focus on authenticity and efficiency, supported by trusted advisors.

30:38- Kotex

Partnership with U by Kotex normalizes period talk.
Performs intensely on period; product allows focus.
Impacts young girls positively; grows sport via posts.

The collaboration empowers discussions on women's health, benefiting brand, sport, and audience.

33:47- Equity deals

Learned equity young; believes in self and products.
Parents ensured education; financial group advises.

Equity investments reflect confidence, part of her maturing business approach.

35:37- Social media

Best content: On/off-court transitions, milestones like ESPYs.
Collabs (e.g., Agassi) merge sports; insane points engage.
Builds personal brand beyond athletics.

Social media humanizes Waters, fostering connections and diversifying her appeal.

39:01- Dream business goal

Sponsor with Premier League team like Man City.
Diversify equity; create products.
Advisor role post-career.

Aspirations include cross-sport sponsorships and product creation, expanding her entrepreneurial footprint.

40:30- Networking

Vast rolodex from travels, billionaires, sponsors.
Knowledge from experiences aids future advising.
Relationships key to opportunities.

Extensive networks provide a safety net and foundation for post-career ventures.

41:49- Most fun activation

Hotel event: Played pickleball, lunch, Q&A, overnight stay.
Created experiences; felt like mini-vacation.

Interactive activations build lasting brand connections through memorable engagements.

41:57- Least fun activation

8-hour shoot with heavy scripting; taxing.
Learned to value time in contracts.

Exhaustive shoots highlighted the need for balanced commitments to preserve energy.

44:06- What's next?

Vegas tournament on the Strip.
Future developments to watch.

Upcoming events promise continued excitement in her career trajectory.

44:28- Outro

Thanks to Waters; best wishes for Vegas.
Encourage tuning in, liking, subscribing.

The conversation wrapped with appreciation for Waters' insights and anticipation for her future.

Summary

Anna Leigh Waters emerges as a multifaceted force in pickleball, blending prodigious talent with business acumen at an astonishingly young age. From her accidental discovery during a hurricane to pioneering aggressive playstyles and securing equity deals, her story illustrates the sport's meteoric rise. Key themes include overcoming skepticism, balancing mental toughness with enjoyment, and leveraging social media and networks for growth. Challenges like burnout prevention and negotiation strategies reveal her maturity, while celebrity interactions and brand partnerships amplify pickleball's appeal. As she eyes consistency for GOAT status and dreams of cross-industry ventures, Waters not only dominates the court but shapes the sport's future, inspiring young athletes to pursue passions holistically. Her journey underscores how emerging sports can foster innovation, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial spirit in a changing athletic landscape.

Pickleball Prodigy: Anna Leigh's Swing

(Verse 1) Yo, listen up, young paddlers, grab your gear and hit the court, Anna Leigh's story starts with a storm, Hurricane Irma, what a sport! At ten years old in the YMCA, thought it was for gramps and grams, But no pickle to whack, just a whiffle ball smack, now she's slammin' triple crowns, bam! From tennis dreams with her D1 mom, to picklin' fun three times a day, Hooked like a fish, made the big switch, now she's the queen in every way.

(Chorus) Swing that paddle, feel the vibe, pickleball's alive and kickin'! From pro at eleven, to ESPYs heaven, young guns, keep on trickin'! Aggressive hits, no soft dinks quit, get low, sprint fast, don't slack, Equity deals, brand feels real, trailblaze your path, never look back!

(Verse 2) Homeschooled kid with mommy-itis, but soccer and tennis kept her social, Grandma teachin', no classroom preachin', flexibility for that pro potential. Doubters DM, "I can beat ya," but she crushes 'em eleven to one, Michael Phelps swimmin' in, but hand-eye missin', Cubs coaches tryin' for fun. Regulation balls, PPA heavy, MLP light and windy flight, Train legs sore, quads and more, discover muscles in the fight!

(Bridge) Hey kids, play multisports, avoid the burnout trap, Want it too bad? Pressure's mad, just love the game, that's the map. Mom coaches tough, yells when rough, mental game's your secret sauce, Sing seventh stretch, tone-deaf fetch, but memories boss!

(Verse 3) Jamie Foxx singin' post-game, Agassi collab, tennis-pickle merge, Kotex deal real, period talk appeal, empower girls on the surge. Social posts glow, on-off court show, billboards in NYC shine, Vegas next, what's the text? Dream Man City patch, equity line! Network bold, billionaires told, experiences gold, future bright, Young players unite, paddle ignite, Anna's path is dynamite!

(Word count: 328)

Instrumentation and Vocal Arrangement Guidance:

Verses: Acoustic guitar strumming folk patterns with upright bass for jazzy swing; light brushed snare for 90's rap groove. Male-female duet vocals in storytelling rap style, alternating lines for energy.
Bridge: Add clarinet or sax for light jazz melody over acoustic guitar and bass; slow the tempo slightly. Solo female vocal with echo for introspective folk feel, building to harmony tease.
Chorus: Full band with acoustic guitar, upright bass, brushed snare, and piano accents for swing; add handclaps for fun. 3-part harmony (lead female with male backups) in uplifting rap-chant, encouraging group sing-alongs.

How the Song Was Created

Crafting "Pickleball Prodigy: Anna Leigh's Swing" involved deliberate songwriting choices to blend educational content with an upbeat, engaging vibe for young pickleball players. The form follows a classic verse-chorus structure with three verses, a bridge, and repeated choruses, clocking in at 300–350 words for brevity and replayability. Rhyme scheme uses AABB patterns in verses for rhythmic flow, echoing 1960s folk storytelling, while the chorus employs ABAB for catchy hooks like "Swing that paddle, feel the vibe" to hook listeners and reinforce themes of fun and perseverance. Lyrical hooks draw from rap's narrative style, incorporating concrete details from the article—such as Hurricane Irma discovery, pro at 11, seventh inning stretch, Kotex partnership, and Man City dreams—to educate on Waters' journey without overwhelming the joy.

Instrumentation choices reflect the article's tone of youthful energy and trailblazing spirit. Acoustic guitar and upright bass evoke 1960s folk simplicity, symbolizing Waters' humble origins, while brushed snare and light jazz elements (clarinet/sax in bridge) add a 90's rap swing for playful, educational bounce—mirroring the sport's accessible yet masterful nature. This hybrid avoids heaviness, keeping it happy and fun, like pickleball itself.

Arrangement and vocal decisions prioritize inclusivity: Verses use duet raps for dynamic storytelling, making it relatable for kids; the bridge shifts to solo female for emotional depth on advice like avoiding burnout; choruses build with 3-part harmony for communal uplift, encouraging young singers to join. Lyrics tie directly to article content—origins, advice, business savvy, celeb plays—tailored for young players by emphasizing multisports, enjoyment, and empowerment, turning Waters' story into aspirational lessons. For performances, aim for lively tempos (around 100 BPM) with audience participation in choruses; tips for seniors adapting: Simplify rap to spoken word over folk strums, use seated setups for jazz elements, focusing on harmony to maintain the educational, intergenerational appeal.

(Word count: 312)

Quiz

What age was Anna Leigh Waters when she discovered pickleball? a. 10 b. 12 c. 8 d. 15
Which event did Waters describe as her most memorable summer highlight? a. Throwing the first pitch at the Cubs game b. Attending the ESPYs c. Singing the seventh inning stretch at the Cubs game d. MLP Final Four
What influenced Waters to switch from tennis to pickleball? a. Family pressure b. Greater enjoyment and fun in pickleball c. Injury from tennis d. Better scholarships
At what age did Waters turn professional in pickleball? a. 12 b. 10 c. 15 d. 11
Why was Waters homeschooled? a. To focus on pickleball and avoid traditional school dislikes b. Family moved frequently c. Health reasons d. Religious beliefs
What is Waters' elevator pitch for pickleball to skeptics? a. It's only for seniors b. Easy to learn but hard to master, show pro videos c. Requires no athleticism d. Similar to hitting a pickle
Which body part is most sore after intense pickleball training? a. Arms b. Back c. Legs (quads, calves, everything) d. Shoulders
Who was a celebrity Waters played with who lacked confidence? a. Jamie Foxx b. Andre Agassi c. Carlos Alcaraz d. Michael Phelps
What differs between PPA and MLP pickleballs? a. PPA heavier and wind-resistant; MLP lighter b. Both identical c. MLP bouncier indoors d. PPA for singles only
What partnership helps Waters normalize period talk? a. Kotex b. Man City c. Vayner Sports d. Cubs

Answer Key:

00:00- Intro
00:30- crazy summer
00:54- 7th inning stretch
02:27- Pickleball origin story
05:00- Going pro at 12
06:35- Homeschooled
08:05- Pickleball elevator pitch
09:42- Pickleball training
11:05- People doubting Anna Leigh's skills
12:42- Michael Phelps
13:38- Regulation pickleballs
15:38- Coolest celeb ALW has played with
16:30- ESPYs
17:34- Jamie Fox
18:11- Pickleball advice
20:17- Coach mom
21:30- Favorite division to play in
21:51- Improving
23:15- Trailblazing the sport
25:05- Biggest change in sport
25:56- GOAT pickleball player
26:39- Pickleball and business
28:05- Negotiation tactic
28:18- Brand Deals
30:38- Kotex
33:47- Equity deals
35:37- Social media
39:01- Dream business goal
40:30- Networking
41:49- Most fun activation
41:57- Least fun activation
44:06- What's next?
44:28- Outro

Anna Leigh Waters: Pickleball's Unstoppable Force at 18

Dominating the Court and Beyond, the Young Phenom Reflects on Her Meteoric Rise, Challenges, and Entrepreneurial Edge

As of August 2025, Anna Leigh Waters continues to reign as the world's top-ranked pickleball player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, fresh off sweeping titles at the PPA Atlanta Championships in May and attending the ESPY Awards in July as the sport's pioneering representative. With a staggering 69-match singles winning streak and 163 gold medals, the 18-year-old prodigy—born January 26, 2007—shows no signs of slowing. In a revealing interview on the Athletes and Assets podcast, Waters opens up about her accidental entry into the sport, her trailblazing career, and the business savvy she's honed along the way. Her candid insights paint a picture of a young athlete balancing intense competition with personal growth, all while elevating pickleball's global profile.

Accidental Origins and Early Passion

Waters' journey into pickleball began serendipitously at age 10 during Hurricane Irma, when her family sought refuge at a YMCA in South Florida. "My first thought when I went in the YMCA and saw pickleball take up the court was like senior citizen sport," she recalls, admitting she initially believed the game involved "hitting a pickle over the net." Despite her mother's background as a Division I tennis player, pickleball captivated them both. "We tried it and we were like, 'Wow, this is so fun,'" Waters says, explaining how it became a family pastime played "three times a day." Unlike tennis tournaments, which she found unenjoyable, pickleball events were thrilling: "I'd go to a pickleball tournament and have the most fun time."

Turning pro at just 11 was equally unplanned. Filling in for her mother's doubles partner at a Texas tournament, they secured second place. "My mom was like, 'All right, you're ready. Let's go play professionally,'" Waters quotes her mother. Still balancing soccer and tennis, she embraced the professional path, noting, "I've almost had a 10-year career and I'm 18."

Overcoming Doubts and Honing Skills

Homeschooled for flexibility—due to what she calls "mommy-itis" and a dislike for traditional school—Waters credits the setup for her success, though she acknowledges pros and cons: "I was still getting that interaction [through sports], so I wasn't feeling like I was missing out." Her mother doubles as her coach, providing tough love: "I'm the type of player that needs somebody to like yell at me... She knows I need it."

Addressing skeptics who dismiss pickleball as non-athletic, Waters' elevator pitch emphasizes its deceptive intensity: "Pickleball is easy to learn but hard to master... Go try it because then you realize how much athleticism it actually takes." Training reveals this rigor; after intense singles sessions, "my legs are shot... People find new muscles when they play pickleball." She frequently faces doubters, including DMs claiming, "I would whoop you on the court," and once humbled a challenger's son 11-1, leaving him "butt hurt."

Celebrity encounters highlight the sport's appeal. Playing with Michael Phelps, she notes his humility: "He was probably the one who had the least amount of confidence." Jamie Foxx, a pickleball enthusiast with his own paddle company, impressed her by singing post-match: "I'm with Jamie Foxx and he's doing what he's good at." At the 2025 ESPYs (echoing her 2024 appearance), she was star-struck by influencers like Pookie and athletes like Alex Morgan.

Evolving the Sport and Personal Growth

As a trailblazer, Waters advises young players to avoid burnout: "Play a lot of different sports... I didn't start just playing pickleball until I was 15." She warns against over-desire: "If you want something too bad, it's like it almost makes it more difficult to achieve it." Preferring singles for skill but doubles for fun, she focuses on improvement: "To get stronger and quicker... We're all trying to figure out what the best shots are right now."

The sport has transformed rapidly: "The game's so new... The game has definitely gotten a lot faster." Pioneering aggressive play, she and her mom shifted norms: "We were the first people to hit the ball hard on a lot of shots." Aiming for GOAT status, she prioritizes consistency: "My goal right now is just to do as much as I can and hope nobody else can do better."

Business Savvy and Brand Building

Beyond the court, Waters has built a business empire, gaining a "street education" through networks: "I've met so many billionaires... I've kind of gone to college without going to college." Negotiation tactics include asking for more than desired: "You always want to ask for more than you actually want because then they'll always counter down." She values alignment in deals: "Sometimes maybe a brand will offer you a lot of money but you don't really love the brand."

Her Kotex partnership normalizes period discussions: "When I'm playing on my period I am like so focused... You by Kotex helps me focus just on playing." Equity deals reflect self-belief: "Equity is a very big thing because it means you're believing in yourself and you're believing in the product." Social media showcases her duality: "The videos I do best are me playing pickleball and then flashing to me in like regular clothes."

Dreaming big, she eyes sponsorships like a Premier League team: "I'm a big Man City fan... To wear their patch would be really cool." Networking has prepared her for the future: "If my pickleball career ended tomorrow, like I feel like I could figure it out."

Looking Ahead

Fun activations, like a hotel event with play and Q&A, contrast taxing ones, such as an eight-hour shoot: "Time matters... That was a lot." Next up? Tournaments like Vegas, with more to unfold: "I guess have to wait and see."

Waters' story is one of resilience and innovation, propelling pickleball forward while inspiring the next generation. As she continues her dominance in 2025, her blend of athletic prowess and business acumen solidifies her as a true icon.

Pages

Sunday, August 31, 2025

The business of Pickleball w/ world #1 Anna Leigh Waters