Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns smiling and holding up a trophy.
Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns at the Veolia Desert Ridge Open. PPA Tour

Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters' hype song Spotify playlist

DALLAS, TX – While assembling a list of the best hype songs in pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters informed me that she and Ben Johns actually have a public playlist on Spotify called “Gameday – Ben J & AL Waters.”

I obviously needed to investigate what gems these champions were listening to. 


The hype song playlist features quite an array of musical genres. First up are high-energy songs perfect for an epic sports montage in a movie. It’s the kind of music Brad from the gym is blasting through his headphones to push through that next rep. 

They’re the kind of tunes that are staples in workout playlists to get people pumped up and energized. 

Some big ones are: 

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

“Pump It” by Black Eyed Peas

“Stronger” by Kanye West

Up next, they’ve got some classic rock, which is such a welcome surprise. Who’s the Fleetwood Mac fan? It must be Johns after taking one look at his Spotify.


Either way, these are some pretty epic songs with aggressive beats and powerful lyrics that could certainly be a testament to Waters' ferocity on the court. 

“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses 

“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival 

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey 

And finally, they threw in some early 2000s bops that are guaranteed to hype you up and play some Triple Crown winning pickleball. I love the combination of Lady Gaga and nostalgic tracks that were popular at every good house party in the early aughts. 

“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 

“Hall of Fame” by The Script ft. will.i.am

“Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At the Disco

“Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige

The last time the playlist was updated was in June 2023, so I’d be fascinated to know what other hype songs they’d add from today’s top hits. Of course, Johns would have a Taylor Swift song in there or two. 


What pump up song should they add in their playlist? Leave us a comment on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).