Mixed Doubles
Women's Doubles
NOTE: Anna Leigh Did not play singles
Press
Waters, Johns survive against Johnson siblings in epic five-game battleWaters and Johns, Johnson siblings to square off in mixed doubles final
Thursday, August 15, 2024
2024 PPA Kansas City Open
Press
Waters, Johns survive against Johnson siblings in epic five-game battleWaters and Johns, Johnson siblings to square off in mixed doubles final
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Pickle 'N Pucks Celebrity Pro-Am
Anna Leigh On The Court - Leigh On the Mic
The inaugural Pickle 'N Pucks Pro-Am, presented by Verizon, brought an exciting blend of pickleball and hockey to the scenic Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado, captivating audiences on ESPN2. The event featured top pickleball players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Collin Johns, alongside NHL stars such as Justin Williams, Kris Draper, and Troy Terry.
The exhibition matches provided thrilling entertainment as these athletes showcased their skills in six action-packed games. Justin Williams, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, emerged victorious in mixed doubles and gender doubles, teaming up with Waters and Draper. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for pickleball, highlighting its instinctual nature and the excitement it brings, especially when facing high-caliber opponents.
Waters, one of pickleball’s brightest stars, was thrilled to participate, particularly on National Pickleball Day, emphasizing the importance of television exposure for the sport's growth. She reflected on the rapid rise of pickleball's popularity, noting its increasing presence on networks nationwide.
The Pro-Am was the highlight of a three-day event in Colorado, which also included pickleball clinics, strategy classes, and a bike ride through the stunning Maroon Bells with cycling legend Lance Armstrong.
The matches ended with these scores:
- Waters/Williams def. Bouchard/Draper 11-4
- C. Johns/Dizon def. B. Johns/Isner 11-8
- Koller/Kekalainen def. C. Johns/Terry 7-2
- B. Johns def. Isner 7-5
- Draper/Williams def. Dizon/Bouchard 7-6
- Bouchard/B. Johns def. Waters/Isner 15-9
The Pickle 'N Pucks Pro-Am showcased the growing popularity of pickleball and its potential to unite fans of different sports through competitive fun.
Anna Leigh On The Mic With Mom and Dave Fleming
Dave Fleming: I feel like the State of Florida right now, with water on both sides of me—Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters are here! Anna Leigh, what's your takeaway from this entire week, being out here with the hockey guys and teaching amateurs who loved learning from you? What’s your perspective?
Anna Leigh Waters: Honestly, coming out here has been amazing. I’ve been to Aspen once before, last summer, and absolutely loved it, though that was more of a vacation, and I didn’t play any pickleball. The altitude here is definitely something to consider—it’s no joke! Out there at the exhibition, you might have noticed some missed shots, and I’m telling you, anytime I missed, it was because of the altitude, not me! (Laughs) But seriously, the conditions are tough here, so when I go to Kansas City, I think I’ll play better since this has been so challenging. But overall, it’s been a cool experience teaching here—I don’t teach that often, so it’s been a lot of fun. I’m really glad to be part of this event.
Dave Fleming: We were thrilled to have you here. Leigh, can you talk about what it’s like to have the best player in the world as your daughter? How do you balance being her mom, coach, and cheerleader?
Leigh Waters: That’s definitely the toughest part—wearing so many different hats. But I think the fact that Anna Leigh and I were teammates before I officially became her coach really helped our relationship. It set a good foundation for how we work together now as mother and daughter, and also as coach and student. Although, sometimes I feel like I’m still the student, and she’s the coach! (Laughs) But seriously, she respects what I have to say, knowing I have experience and knowledge. Even though I’m her coach, I still feel like we’re teammates.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, the Olympics are on everyone’s mind right now. There’s a lot of talk about new sports being added. How much would you love to represent the United States in pickleball? Was that ever a dream of yours, especially considering your background in soccer?
Anna Leigh Waters: Absolutely, I grew up watching the Olympics, and it would be amazing to represent my country in pickleball. I’m hopeful it’ll be included in the Olympics at some point. I’m still young, so even if it’s 10 or 15 years from now, I’d still love to play. Maybe I’ll even retire and then come back for the Olympics—that would be cool! But I hope it happens sooner. Winning an Olympic medal would be unbelievable.
Dave Fleming: Speaking of inspiration, you had the little Sparky’s out there playing with you. What does it mean to be a role model for those kids, and how do you feel about your impact on the youth in pickleball?
Anna Leigh Waters: When I first started playing pickleball, I never imagined I’d be in this position, inspiring others. I was just a kid, probably their age, playing in the park. It’s really cool to have kids come up to me and say I’ve inspired them. I hope I’m a good role model for them. During the exhibition, the kids were cheering me on, telling me what shots to make—it was adorable! One little girl even coached me, saying, "Next point, I want you to drive down the line." It’s great to see kids so involved in the game. I think pickleball is fantastic for kids, not just for becoming great players but as a way to step away from social media and school stress and just enjoy the game.
Dave Fleming: Leigh, it’s National Pickleball Day—such a milestone for the sport. What’s your perspective on the explosive growth of pickleball?
Leigh Waters: It’s incredible. Who would have thought we’d have a National Pickleball Day? The sport has just taken over the country. It’s so social and inclusive, bringing happiness and changing lives beyond just the professional level. We have families coming up to us saying that watching our family play together has inspired them to do the same. What other sport does that? That’s why we all love pickleball.
Dave Fleming: Anna Leigh, last question. You’re 17 years old with a busy schedule. How do you manage everything and still play at the top of your game? What’s coming up for you, and how do you maintain your level of performance?
Anna Leigh Waters: I just graduated high school, so it’s actually less hectic now than it used to be. Having my dad, mom, and sometimes even my grandparents travel with me helps take the load off. It’s comforting to have them with me, so after a match, I can relax. I love the sport, which makes it easier to stay motivated. I’ve been careful not to overplay and to take breaks when needed, so I don’t get burnt out. I want to play this sport for a long time, hopefully until I’m 80 or 90 years old. I’m just having fun and enjoying the journey with my family.
Dave Fleming: Thanks for being out on the court and for jumping into the booth. Anna Leigh Waters, the best player in the world, ladies and gentlemen!
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Waters/Parenteau v Bright/Rohrabacher at the Veolia Sacramento Open Pres...
Anna Leigh Waters: The Unstoppable Force in Women's Pickleball
Unraveling the Secrets Behind the Dominance of the World's Top Female Pickleball Player
In the world of women's pickleball, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Anna Leigh Waters, or ALW as she is known to fans. Her dominance is unparalleled, a fact well established and undisputed. However, what sets her apart from the rest? While her male counterpart, Ben Johns, is acknowledged as the best, he remains beatable. ALW, on the other hand, is a formidable opponent, consistently emerging as the favorite to clinch gold in every event she enters. In 2024 alone, she has participated in nine PPA events, securing gold in 85% of them—a feat that even tennis legend Roger Federer could only dream of. This piece delves into the reasons behind ALW's extraordinary prowess, examining the skills and attributes that make her not just the best, but the best by a significant margin.
The Making of a Champion
Anna Leigh Waters' dominance can be attributed to a combination of her unparalleled skill set and exceptional athleticism. In nearly every aspect of pickleball, she outshines her competitors. Drawing a parallel to baseball, where different pitchers are recognized for having the best fastball, curveball, or control, ALW stands out as the best in virtually every pickleball skill category. Whether it's her powerful serves, precise angles, or formidable crosscourt forehand dinks, ALW excels across the board.
Technical Excellence
A deeper dive into her technical skills reveals why she remains unbeaten. ALW is the most consistent player on the court, known for making the fewest errors and consistently delivering high-quality shots. She hits the ball harder than anyone else, her serves are both powerful and deep, and her ability to place shots with perfect angles is unmatched. Her defensive counters and offensive drives, whether down the line or crosscourt, are executed with such precision that they leave opponents scrambling. Moreover, her crosscourt forehand dink, arguably the most critical shot in women's professional pickleball, is executed flawlessly every time.
Versatility and Athleticism
Beyond technical prowess, ALW's versatility is another cornerstone of her dominance. She seamlessly switches between playing the right and left sides, adapts her strategy as needed, and showcases a remarkable ability to cover the court. Her physical attributes—height, strength, and athleticism—give her a distinct advantage, allowing her to dominate points right from the serve. Her powerful serves often result in weak returns from opponents, enabling her to control the game from the onset.
Mastery of the Subtle Aspects
One often overlooked aspect of her game is her mastery of the subtle, yet critical elements of pickleball. For instance, ALW’s lob shots are exceptionally effective, a rarity in the women's game. Her forehand crosscourt lob, in particular, stands out as one of the best in the sport. Additionally, her exceptional court coverage and athleticism mean she can turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities with ease.
Physical and Mental Strength
ALW’s physical strength and athleticism are not just apparent on the screen but are even more impressive when witnessed in person. Her physicality allows her to cover the court with remarkable speed and agility, often making it seem as though she is playing downhill while her opponents struggle uphill. Her mental fortitude is equally impressive; she remains calm under pressure and executes her game plan flawlessly.
The Future of Pickleball
What makes ALW’s dominance even more astonishing is her age. At just 17 years old, she has yet to reach her prime. With potentially more than a decade of top-level play ahead of her, the future of women's pickleball appears to be firmly in her grasp. Her continued dominance does, however, raise questions about the competitive excitement in the sport. With ALW winning 85% of the events she enters, the anticipation and unpredictability of outcomes diminish. Nonetheless, her prowess sets a high standard for upcoming players, who must elevate their game to challenge her supremacy.
In conclusion, Anna Leigh Waters is not just the best in women's pickleball; she is a phenomenon whose skill, athleticism, and dominance are setting new benchmarks in the sport. As she continues to refine her game, the gap between her and her competitors remains vast, ensuring her place at the pinnacle of pickleball for years to come. (NOTE: This summary was created from the Jim Kloss article, "Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant?")
Saturday, July 20, 2024
2024 MLP Mid-Season
New Jersey 5's vs DC Pickleball Team (Final)
New Jersey 5's: Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, Will Howells
Dallas: JW Johnson/Augie Ge/Jorja Johnson/Tyra Black
DC: James Ignatowich/Dekel Bar/Rachel Rohrabacher/Vivian Glozman
DC: James Ignatowich/Dekel Bar/Rachel Rohrabacher/Vivian Glozman
Arizona Drive: LACY SCHNEEMANN/KAITLYN CHRISTIAN/DYLAN FRAZIER/AJ Koller
2024 PPA Orange County Cup
Doubles
Mixed Doubles
Singles
News
Waters, Johns dominate mixed doubles final in SoCal
Waters, Parenteau stop Irvine, Pisnik’s run to claim women’s doubles gold
Waters and Johns, Parenteau and Alshon book spots in mixed doubles final
Waters, Parenteau set finals clash with convincing semifinal wins
Castillo upsets Brascia, will face Waters in semis
Waters, Johns dominate mixed doubles final in SoCal
Waters, Parenteau stop Irvine, Pisnik’s run to claim women’s doubles gold
Waters and Johns, Parenteau and Alshon book spots in mixed doubles final
Waters, Parenteau set finals clash with convincing semifinal wins
Castillo upsets Brascia, will face Waters in semis
Waters, Johns handle Brascia, Arnold with ease, advance to quarters in mixed
Waters ends Bouchard's singles run with straight-games victory
Waters, Parenteau make quick work of singles opponents, advance to Round of 16
Waters ends Bouchard's singles run with straight-games victory
Waters, Parenteau make quick work of singles opponents, advance to Round of 16
2024 PPA SACRAMENTO OPEN
Doubles
4:04:01 Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau vs Allison Phillips / Lindsey Newman
Waters/Parenteau vs Phillips/Newman
Waters/Parenteau vs Black/Johnson
Waters/Parenteau vs Buckner/Wang
Waters/Parenteau vs Parker/Rettger
Waters/Parenteau vs Black/Johnson
Waters/Parenteau vs Buckner/Wang
Waters/Parenteau vs Parker/Rettger
Mixed Doubles
Singles
Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards Show
Pickleball Stars Shine Bright in 2024 Mid-Season Awards
Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud Lead the Pack as Top Performers
The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have recognized the crème de la crème of the rapidly growing sport, highlighting outstanding performances, breakthrough stars, and influential personalities. Spanning categories across the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and equipment preferences, these awards offer a comprehensive snapshot of professional pickleball's current landscape.
The PPA Categories showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. Hayden Patriquin and Tina Pisnik were recognized as the most improved players, while Quang Duong and Kaitlyn Christian earned breakout player honors. Federico Staksrud and Anna Leigh Waters claimed the prestigious Player of the Year titles. The awards also celebrated personalities like Jack Sock and Anna Bright, as well as fan favorites Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. The Select Medical Orange County Cup in San Clemente was named the top tour stop of the year.
- Most Improved (Male): Hayden Patriquin Patriquin's remarkable progress on the court, including a gold medal in men's doubles, showcases his dedication and rising skill level.
- Most Improved (Female): Tina Pisnik Pisnik's consistent ability to dominate the kitchen has earned her the nickname "The Chef," reflecting her improved positioning and strategic play.
- Breakout Player of the Year (Male): Quang Duong Initially known as a singles specialist, Duong has significantly improved his doubles game, positioning himself for potential gold medals in the near future.
- Breakout Player of the Year (Female): Kaitlyn Christian Christian's full-time transition to pickleball has paid off, with impressive performances in both singles and doubles demonstrating her adaptability and skill.
- Player of the Year (Male): Federico Staksrud Staksrud's consistent Sunday appearances in singles and strong doubles performances, including a victory with Hayden Patriquin, have set him apart from his peers.
- Player of the Year (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' dominance in the women's field continues to grow, with commentators noting the increasing gap between her and her closest competitors.
- Best Dressed Player (Male): Travis Rettenmaier Rettenmaier's vibrant, eye-catching outfits have made him a standout on the court, bringing a touch of Florida flair to the pickleball scene.
- Best Dressed Player (Female): Parris Todd Todd's consistently stylish court attire complements her fierce playing style, proving that fashion and function can go hand in hand in pickleball.
- Biggest Personality on Tour (Male): Jack Sock Sock's energetic on-court presence, crowd interactions, and upcoming podcast have made him a fan favorite and media sensation.
- Biggest Personality on Tour (Female): Anna Bright Bright's intensity and leadership as an MLP captain, combined with her on-court charisma, have cemented her status as a tour favorite.
- Best Teammate (Male): Thomas Wilson Wilson's supportive nature and synergy with partners, particularly in mixed doubles with Vivienne David, highlight his value as a teammate.
- Best Teammate (Female): Vivienne David David's positive attitude and adaptability with various doubles partners have contributed to her success and popularity on the tour.
- Most Athletic Player (Male): Christian Alshon Alshon's agility and court coverage, especially impressive given his height, have earned him recognition for his athletic prowess.
- Most Athletic Player (Female): Lacy Schneemann Schneemann's tennis background and quick adaptation to pickleball showcase her exceptional athleticism and body control.
- Fan Favorite (Male): Ben Johns Johns' controlled playing style and the unique experience of watching him live have maintained his strong fan base.
- Fan Favorite (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' young age and phenomenal playing ability continue to captivate fans, solidifying her position as a crowd favorite.
- Best Pro Content Creator (Male): Tyson McGuffin McGuffin's early adoption of brand-building through podcasts and educational content has paid off, establishing him as a leading content creator in the sport.
- Best Pro Content Creator (Female): Catherine Parenteau Parenteau's instructional tips and insights, often created with her partner Athena, provide valuable resources for amateur players.
- PPA Tour Stop of the Year: Select Medical Orange County Cup (San Clemente) The picturesque setting and amphitheater-style fan seating have made this tournament a favorite among players and spectators alike.
- Best Match of the Year: Orange County Cup - Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns vs. JW Johnson/Jorja Johnson This thrilling mixed doubles semi-final, featuring a dramatic comeback and multiple saved match points, exemplified the excitement of high-level pickleball.
- Biggest Upset of the Year: Austin Open - Rachel Rohrabacher/Anna Bright beat Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau This unexpected victory broke Waters and Parenteau's undefeated streak in regular tour events, marking a significant moment in the season.
- Coach of the Year (PPA): Leigh Waters Waters' success coaching both her daughter Anna Leigh and Christian Alshon demonstrates her deep understanding of the game and ability to develop top talent.
- Best Commentator: Dave Fleming Fleming's extensive knowledge and passion for pickleball have elevated the quality of broadcast commentary, enhancing viewer experience.
In the MLP categories, Kyle McKenzie of the D.C. Pickleball Team and Scott Crandall of the Bay Area Breakers were honored as top coaches. The New Jersey 5s (Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, Will Howells) were voted most likely to win the 2024 MLP Premier season. Augie Ge and Mari Humberg were highlighted as sleeper picks to watch. The St. Louis Shock, led by Anna Bright, was recognized for having the best team chemistry.
- Premier GM/Coach of the Year: Kyle McKenzie (D.C. Pickleball Team) McKenzie's strategic acumen and ability to guide players like Tyson McGuffin have proven invaluable in the team format.
- Challenger GM/Coach of the Year: Scott Crandall (Bay Area Breakers) Crandall's experience and adaptive coaching style have been crucial in developing the Breakers' talent and team dynamics.
- Team Most Likely to Win MLP Premier 2024 Season: New Jersey 5s The 5s' recent mid-season tournament victory and their knack for winning crucial points make them strong contenders for the season title.
- MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Male): Augie Ge (Dallas Flash) Ge's left-handed play and quick adaptation to the Premier level have marked him as a rising star in the MLP.
- MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Female): Mari Humberg (New Jersey 5s) Humberg's unique playing style, featuring effective slices and strategic shot selection, has made her an invaluable asset to her team.
- Best MLP Team Chemistry: St. Louis Shock Led by the energetic Anna Bright, the Shock's blend of youth and experience has fostered a strong team dynamic and on-court success.
The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have illuminated the diverse talents, personalities, and trends shaping professional pickleball. From the continued dominance of players like Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud to the emergence of exciting new talents and the recognition of crucial behind-the-scenes figures, these awards provide a comprehensive view of the sport's current state. The honors also highlight the multifaceted nature of professional pickleball, recognizing not just on-court performance but also style, personality, and contributions to the sport's growing media presence. As pickleball continues its rapid growth, these awards serve as both a celebration of current excellence and a preview of the sport's bright future.
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