Anna Leigh Waters: Meet the Pro Pickleball Player

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You may not have heard of Anna Leigh Waters yet, but you soon will. At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh is quickly making a name for herself in professional pickleball.


Early Life and Discovery of Pickleball


Anna Leigh Waters grew up in Phoenix, Arizona where she excelled in athletics from a young age. She played basketball, volleyball, and ran track throughout her childhood. Pickleball entered Anna Leigh's life in an unexpected way at age 12. During a middle school PE class, the students were told they would be trying a new sport for the day - pickleball.



Anna Leigh instantly fell in love with the fast-paced paddle sport. She was drawn to the strategic yet athletic nature of the game. That PE class sparked a passion in Anna Leigh that drove her to start training in pickleball every single day after school.


Quick Rise Through the Junior Ranks


It didn’t take long for Anna Leigh to stand out from her peers. After just a few months of practicing pickleball for hours a day, she began dominating local and regional junior tournaments.


By age 15, Anna Leigh was ranked the #1 girls singles player in the country for her age division. She secured this #1 spot by winning three consecutive Arizona Junior State Championships from 2022-2024.


Scouts and coaches took notice of this young phenom. Anna Leigh’s rapid success and evident passion for the sport made her an intriguing prospect for the professional pickleball circuit.


Turning Pro Right Out of High School


With three junior state titles under her belt, Anna Leigh decided to forego college and turn

pro immediately after graduating high school in 2025 at just 17 years old.


She spent her first year on the professional tour primarily playing doubles to gain experience against elite competition before her 18th birthday when she would be eligible to play pro singles events. Anna Leigh used this time to learn from her veteran partners and hone her game against the world’s best.


Breakout Success in Pro Singles


Shortly after turning 18 in early 2026, Anna Leigh earned a spot in her first professional singles tournament. She was the youngest player in the draw but wasted no time proving she belonged.


Anna Leigh breezed through the early rounds before taking down the #2 seed in the semifinals. Her Cinderella run continued into the finals where she defeated world #15 Sarah Andrews in a thrilling three-set championship match.


This improbable victory as an 18-year-old pro rookie earned Anna Leigh her first professional singles title. It also catapulted her from outside the top 300 to inside the top 30 in the pro singles rankings almost overnight.



She backed up this breakthrough performance by reaching the quarterfinals of her next two pro singles events. Anna Leigh finished the 2026 season ranked #22 in the world in just her first year on tour.


Current Rankings and Recent Success


Now 19 years old, Anna Leigh Waters sits at #15 in the professional pickleball singles rankings

and #8 in pro doubles along with her partner.


So far this 2027 season, Anna Leigh has won two silver medals in singles competitions and a bronze in doubles with her partner at the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships.


Play Style and Skills


Standing at 5’10”, Anna Leigh utilizes her height and long reach to overpower opponents from the baseline. She has become known for her aggressive play style, blistering serves, and ability to smash the ball past even the quickest opponents.


Anna Leigh’s athleticism also allows her to cover the court extremely well. She thrives in long rallies and rarely misses when pulled wide or brought up to the non-volley zone line.


This combination of offense and defense makes Anna Leigh a formidable opponent for even the most experienced professionals. Her determination and competitive spirit fuel her drive to continuously improve.



Goals and Impact on the Sport


Looking ahead, Anna Leigh aims to win her first pro singles major tournament this season and crack the top 10 rankings. From there, she has her sights set on becoming world #1.


As one of the youngest players on tour, Anna Leigh also hopes to inspire more female and junior athletes to take up pickleball. She enjoys giving back through free lessons and clinics when she’s not competing.


Anna Leigh Waters shows immense talent and maturity beyond her years. At just 19, her best playing days are likely still ahead. We can expect her to be a face of professional pickleball for many years to come.


Keep an eye out for Anna Leigh as she continues her rapid rise up the pro pickleball rankings. This young star has all the tools and determination to become the sport’s next household name!

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