World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters continues to be a trailblazer for women in sports.

After going viral for her post-match interview praising pickleball for being an equal opportunity sport, the 18-year-old is advocating that female athletes shouldn’t be held back while on their periods.  

“Many girls today think playing on their period is a barrier to success, even causing them to drop out of sports entirely. I am proof that periods shouldn’t stop you from competing, chasing your goals, or showing up as your best self – especially when you have the right protection,” said Waters. 

There’s undoubtedly a stigma when it comes to periods.

Aside from the natural discomfort, there’s an idea that while on their periods, female athletes don’t perform their best. There’s bloating, fatigue, and cramps, all of which can negatively affect performance.

But U by Kotex found otherwise. 

According to their press release, women’s mental agility may actually improve during menstruation, with faster reaction times and accuracy while competing on their period. 

At the Select Medical Orange County Cup, Waters won every single one of her matches and secured yet another Triple Crown, all while on her period in California.

“It’s always a rush to win a match, but yesterday’s win was especially rewarding considering I’m on my period,” she said. “I’m partnering with U by Kotex to inspire more girls to play on their periods and prove that periods don’t hold us back.” 

Waters is a pro, so she’s learned to play on her period and still dominate regardless of her cycle. 

Waters could also have been inspired after recently meeting fellow high-profile athlete, Ilona Maher, at Miami Swim Week. 

The Olympic rugby gold medalist walked the runway in some fashionable and revealing bikinis.

Then, a few days later, Maher shared on TikTok how she was on her period while wearing a bikini for the entire event. 

“Men think they are tough but they’ll never do Miami Swim Week wearing only bikinis while on their period like I did,” she shared.

So if Maher can do it and receive so much support, so can ALW. 

There’s an unfortunate reality that more than 84% of teenage girls say their interest in sports decreased after starting their period. And nearly 25% say they feel embarrassed to take part in physical activity during their menstruation cycle. 

With inspiring athletes like Waters and Maher openly sharing their experience as a woman in professional sports, it only inspires females of all ages to embrace their femininity, no matter what phase of their cycle they’re in.

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