Can you believe it? Anna Leigh Waters is 18 years old today.

She should buy a lottery ticket or get a pickleball tattoo to mark the occasion.

After turning pro at 14, Waters is currently the only player who essentially grew up in the professional ranks. Fans watched her steadily develop into an unstoppable force in every discipline - singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. From playing alongside her mom, Leigh, to forging her own incredible path to stardom, the American superstar has firmly solidified her standing as pickleball's most dominant female athlete.

When asked to describe herself as a kid, Waters replied: “Very hyper and energetic. I always wanted to be doing something. At recess, I would go play soccer with the boys. I always loved playing sports.”

That love of athletics encouraged her parents to homeschool her so she could focus on her budding career. Pickleball has been the playground for Waters' biggest achievements, from winning Triple Crowns to earning her 100^th career PPA title.

Waters has shared milestone after milestone with the pickleball community, including celebrating her 16th birthday with a new car from Carvana and making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023.

Graduating from high school was obviously a big accomplishment, too.

Most importantly, though, she was supported by her family every step of the way.

“I can’t believe my little girl has turned 18! I am so proud of all her pickleball accomplishments. It has been an amazing ride and we have made so many memories together,” said Leigh. “But what I am most proud of is the young woman she has become off the court. Most of you don’t know Anna Leigh personally, but she is smart, witty, kind, giving, and she always puts family first. There is no one more fun to be around than AL. She is humble and has remained grounded through all the pickleball craziness. So if you want to know what I’m most proud of - it’s the person she has become off the court. Happy Birthday AL!”

Now, Waters is a role model for junior players with similar pickleball dreams.

She also shares a birthday with a few other notable athletes:

-       Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky

-       Basketball player Vince Carter

-       Wrestler Sasha Banks

-       Baseball catcher turned commentator Bob Uecker

-       Wimbledon doubles champion Corina Morariu

-       Motorsports race driver Sergio Pèrez

-       And former TV host turned pickleball fanatic Ellen DeGeneres

With a Jan. 26 birthday, perhaps Waters was destined for greatness from the start.

Between her aura, self-belief, insatiable work ethic, and remarkable resume, it's safe to say that she has cemented her place in the pickleball history books forever.

And there's so much more to come.

Happy Birthday, AL!

Love,
Pickleball.com