Leigh Waters recently appeared on the Pickleballers podcast to share behind-the-scenes insight into her daughter’s landmark deal with Nike.

From Leigh’s perspective, the transition to new gear and apparel presented a welcome challenge for Anna Leigh, pushing her to adapt and continue elevating her game.

“I’ve seen these new deals with Franklin and Nike energize her so much. It’s given her a new sense of get up and go with wanting to practice more, learn new things, and wanting to shoot more content,” said Leigh. “I feel like all of this has made her want to be even better, which is really cool for me to see both as a coach and a mother.”

One of Anna Leigh's most remarkable traits is her relentless drive, a mindset that keeps pushing her toward new heights, even after accomplishing so much for herself and for the sport of pickleball.

“I think it’s because she’s a perfectionist in everything she does, but especially on the court,” remarked Leigh.

Leigh then shared a recent story about Anna Leigh fine-tuning a new swing path on one of her shots.

She remembers asking her, “Your shot is already so good. Why are you trying to change it?”

Anna Leigh didn’t hesitate in her response, replying, “Because it could be better. And I can make it better.”

“She’s just self-driven like that,” explained Leigh. “She walked off the court in Minnesota after winning gold and she was upset because she didn’t feel like she played well and that she could have played better. I thought she played great. That’s just her mindset. She's never just been content.”

Anna Leigh has already built an extraordinary resume, from her rapidly growing triple crown tally to becoming pro pickleball’s first athlete signed by Nike, yet it’s clear she has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“It’s not normal. I use those exact words with [Anna Leigh] all the time. Nike deals don’t just come around every day,” emphasized Leigh. “This is a once in a lifetime type of deal. The amount that you’ve won is not normal. Don’t ever think it’s normal because it’s not.” 

Leigh and Stephen Waters often remind Anna Leigh just how extraordinary and uncommon this life is, helping her stay grounded amid the spotlight.

Still, as her mom, Leigh couldn’t be more impressed by her daughter and the woman she’s becoming.

“I’m so proud, but also just in awe. I’ve done a lot of successful and cool things in my life, but I could never have done what she’s doing,” admitted Leigh. “When we visited the Nike headquarters, I was watching her direct the rooms and I’m thinking how she’s only 19 and she has the confidence and the poise to do that.”

Even though she’s still a teenager, Anna Leigh carries herself with a level of maturity far beyond her years.

“She’s an only child, so we always took her everywhere we went and she was always surrounded by adults,” noted Leigh. “Then being thrown into the spotlight at such a young age, she was forced to grow up.”

As Leigh puts it, this may not be a normal life, but they wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Sometimes I worry that she’s going to look back and think she never got to experience normal kid stuff, like going to prom, but she’s told me she’d much rather be doing this,” said Leigh.

And as she travels the world with her family by her side, making memories while competing in the game she loves, this interesting life is already a pretty special one.

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