Anna Leigh Waters is pickleball’s reigning superstar and one of the most extraordinary talents the sport has ever seen. At just 18 years old, she is ranked world No. 1 in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, having transformed the game with her aggressive, high-speed style and unprecedented dominance on the professional circuit. With an astonishing 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns, Waters holds the most medals and triple crowns of any professional pickleball player, regularly sweeping events across both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP).

Her rise began early. At only 12 years old, Waters became the youngest professional player and champion in pickleball history. She was introduced to the sport in 2017 after her family evacuated Florida during Hurricane Irma and discovered pickleball in Pennsylvania through her grandfather. Partnering initially with her mother, Leigh Waters, who remains her coach and manager, Anna Leigh helped usher in a new, more aggressive era of play that quickly captivated fans and competitors alike.

A Florida native, Waters seamlessly balances life as a teenager with the demands of being the sport’s biggest star. Known for her infectious personality off the court and relentless competitiveness on it, she connects easily with fans while maintaining an intense focus during competition. Beyond pickleball, she enjoys fashion, cooking, travel, gaming, and shopping, embodying both the discipline of a champion and the spirit of a typical teen.