Anna Leigh Waters on SportsCenter: The Face of Pickleball Talks Growth, Legacy, and the Future of the Game
America’s No. 1 Pickleball Player Shares Her Journey and Vision on ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days
Introduction
As part of ESPN’s “50 States in 50 Days” tour, SportsCenter landed in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a special spotlight on the fastest-growing sport in America: pickleball. At the center of the broadcast stood 17-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed No. 1 player in the world. Waters joined the segment with confidence and humility, sharing insights on the sport’s explosive growth, her own unlikely start at age 10, and the deeply personal dynamic of competing with — and against — her mother.
A Championship Mindset
Waters arrived in Michigan to compete in a weekend tournament with her team defending their championship title. “I’m very excited,” she told the host, explaining that the path to the title would be a grind, but one she was ready for. Her philosophy? “Match by match.” That grounded mentality reflects the maturity of someone who’s spent years at the top — and who knows what it takes to stay there.
“Try It for Yourself”: Defending the Sport’s Credibility
Despite pickleball's rapid rise, skeptics still question its legitimacy as a sport. Waters, once a skeptic herself, acknowledged that she thought the game involved hitting an actual pickle when she was ten. But her views changed the moment she stepped on court. “It takes athleticism. It takes hard work,” she said. Her message to the doubters? “Get out on the court and try it.”
Pickleball’s Olympic Potential
When asked about pickleball’s future, Waters didn’t hesitate: “It definitely should be [in the Olympics].” She acknowledged that getting there would be a personal dream — representing the United States on the Olympic stage — but she also emphasized what that would mean for the sport: “It would add another level of legit.”
Why It’s the Fastest Growing Sport in the World
Waters credits pickleball’s meteoric growth to its accessibility. “Any age, any gender can play,” she said. She fondly recalled rallying with her 70-year-old grandfather as a child — something few other sports could offer. But beyond that, she highlighted the community it builds. “In pickleball, we’re just all friends,” she said. “It makes people’s lives better.”
The Tournament Vibe: Loud, Friendly, Inclusive
Waters invited viewers to attend a tournament for the experience alone. Unlike tennis, where silence and etiquette rule, pickleball tournaments are noisy, cheerful, and full of camaraderie. “Everyone's talking, cheering, clapping,” she said. “It’s immaculate.” That sense of connection and energy, she says, is part of the sport’s appeal.
Life as the #1 Player in the World
Being on top hasn’t gotten to Waters’ head — though she admits it’s surreal to hear the title spoken out loud. “I try not to think about it too much,” she said. Instead of pressure, she sees challenge. “You definitely get people’s best when they play you,” she noted. But she believes that pressure has helped her grow stronger and more confident.
A Mother–Daughter Legacy
Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, is more than just her coach. She was also the No. 1 player in the world before Anna Leigh took the throne. Their bond is both competitive and collaborative. “The first time I beat my mom, I was 11,” Anna Leigh recalled, laughing. “It was a little strange.” After that, they teamed up — traveling the country together, playing and winning. “It was a crazy bond,” she said, reflecting on memories she’ll always cherish.
The Future: Global and Youth-Driven
Waters hopes to see pickleball grow even more internationally and among young players. When she first started, she was often the only kid on court. Now, tournaments draw hundreds of youth competitors. “It’s growing, but we can definitely do more there,” she said.
In Her Element
As the segment wrapped up, Waters’ joy was unmistakable. Her groundedness, humor, and passion were on full display — qualities that have made her both a champion and a true ambassador of the sport. Her final message? “Thank you for having me.” And with a smile, she turned back toward the courts, ready to compete, connect, and continue leading pickleball into the future.
In-Depth Summary:
Anna Leigh Waters’ SportsCenter feature captured the essence of a sport in transition — and a young woman leading that charge with grace and grit. From humble beginnings at age 10 to becoming the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Waters’ journey highlights the unique spirit of pickleball: its inclusivity, its community, and its rapid ascent into mainstream culture. She debunked stereotypes, called for Olympic recognition, and shared the powerful bond she’s built with her mother through competition. Perhaps most importantly, she illuminated the welcoming, high-energy environment that has helped pickleball capture hearts across generations. Waters isn’t just defending titles — she’s helping define a movement.
Anna Leigh Waters On ESPN Sports Center v2
Verse 1 (Jazz Tune):
On Grand Rapids courts we meet under bright arena lights,
Champion hearts beat in sync with the swing of night,
Defending gold, match by match, feel the rhythm in the air,
Every serve, every volley, syncopated flair.
Crowd roars like brass, cheering loud in perfect swing,
Athletic poetry in motion, freedom on string,
out the gate, passion sets the pace,
We glide, we slide, we own this place.
Rap Bridge 1 (90’s Rap):
Yo—we rise, Anna Leigh on the grind,
she’s the best you’ll find, world-class state of mind.
hit the shot, no doubt, skeptics get schooled,
every point, every round, she’s breaking every rule.
Fastest-growing sport, we rep it coast to coast,
Olympic dreams, we boast without a ghost.
Get on court, feel the hype, it’s athletic art,
Pickleball flame ignites, we play it from the heart.
Chorus (Folk Tune):
Come gather ‘round and rally, feel the sun on your face,
With paddles raised together, we’re bound by friendly grace.
Every clap, every whistle, every step in time,
In this game of life and laughter, our spirits always climb.
Verse 2 (Jazz Tune):
Bloodlines meet the baseline—tossed paddles in the fray,
Mother and daughter dancing, forging legacy each day.
Born at eleven, beating mom, that bronze—heated groove,
Now champions side by side, with every serve we prove.
Community in every corner, age and gender blend,
Generations rally on—new friendships never end.
Rap Bridge 2 (90’s Rap):
we narrate the rise,
Post‑COVID boom, courts in every town arise.
Youth squads growing strong, grassroots global spawn,
echoing the vibes until the break of dawn.
Energy’s contagious—rowdy, joyous, free,
ALW flow meets the daily grind harmony.
We beat adversity, adversity, adversity,
Pickleball’s the unity, defying adversity.
Chorus Reprise (Folk Tune):
Come gather ‘round and rally, feel the sun on your face,
With paddles raised together, we’re bound by friendly grace.
Every clap, every whistle, every step in time,
In this game of life and laughter, our spirits always climb.
