
Anna Bright is pickleball’s most eligible bachelorette
Anna Bright is widely regarded as the top eligible bachelorette in professional pickleball.
“I feel like I’m in my man-eater era. I’m embracing being a flirt. I think it’s naturally who I am, and I’m just having a lot of fun with it,” said Bright. “I saw a quote recently that really resonated with me: ‘Flirt with the world first, and men second.’ That’s how I’m living my life right now.”
The 26-year-old has playfully shared snippets of her dating life on Instagram and YouTube, giving fans a humorous peek into what dating is like as a pickleball athlete.
Although she previously had a public relationship with a fellow pro, she’s not limiting herself to dating only within the pickleball world.
“Ideally, I wouldn’t want to date another pickleball pro. I think it’s kind of like high school. I’ve done that,” said Bright. “But it’s hard because we’re on tour traveling so much, so it’s tough to meet someone outside of pickleball. I’m not actively seeking it out. I like the idea of dating someone in pickleball, but it’s not a requirement.”
The UC Berkeley product revealed that she actually has a dating application form for anyone interested in being her boyfriend—already attracting over 40 responses.
She also leans on her friends on tour, like Kate Fahey and Anna Leigh Waters, to help set her up on dates. Bright even called Waters her “wing woman.”
“I’m really lucky and fortunate to have friends like Anna Leigh, who helped set me up on a date. It was a great set up by her. It was super fun,” mentioned Bright. “Kate actually calls me the most unhinged single person ever. I’ll do anything for the plot.”
Although she’s enjoying the dating scene, she’s still on the hunt for her perfect match.
“I’m definitely looking for Mr. Right. I feel like I have a very clear idea of what I want. I’ve gone out with a couple of guys in the last few months and it’s been fun, but some things haven’t been perfectly in alignment,” she shared. “As soon as I realize that I don’t think something is long-term and it’s not something I want to continue, I cut it off.”
Bright revealed that she’s gained plenty of insights from going on numerous dates.
“I’ve come to realize that compatibility is probably more important than chemistry. I’m looking for someone who’s driven, ambitious, and someone who works hard and challenges to make me better,” she confirmed. “I mostly mean that in an off-court sense, but I also want someone who’s fun to be around and someone who makes my life better.”
Her social media hasn’t shied away from her dating adventures either.
While it’s a bold approach, her openness is clearly paying off since she already has a date scheduled for the Carvana Mesa Cup next week.
So far, Bright hasn’t gone on any wild or over-the-top dates, mostly just dinner outings.
And guess what her idea of the perfect date is?
“I want to go to a farmers market,” she insisted. “I like cute local stuff like that, so markets, coffee shops, or bakeries.”
So if you fill out Bright’s form and score a date, she recommends keeping it simple, like a cozy coffee shop.
While she doesn’t have any Valentine’s Day plans beyond competing in mixed and women’s doubles, she revealed that her worst date ever actually happened on February 14.
“There was no reservation, so it was just a disaster of a date,” she said.
Bright has fully embraced her role as the PPA Tour's bachelorette, even handing out roses to fans playing with her JOOLA paddle.
And who knows, maybe soon she’ll be giving her final rose to her most eligible suitor.
Click here to subscribe to Bright’s newsletter and follow Pickleball.com on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).
Related articles

Three players you don’t want to see at open play
Every pickleball court has its regular cast of characters, but some of the toughest competitors don’t look the part.
13 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

Mesa Championship Sunday Recap: Alshon, Daescu win thriller as Waters takes two golds
Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu saved seven match points in their men's doubles final victory over Nico Acevedo and Yuta Funemizu on Sunday.
17 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Order of play for Carvana Championship Sunday at the Veolia Arizona Open
Anna Leigh Waters is in the running for two golds on Sunday in Mesa.
1 day ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Order of play for Semifinal Saturday at the Veolia Arizona Open
Christian Alshon enters Saturday as the only player still alive in singles, mixed doubles, and gender doubles.
2 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff