Anna Leigh Waters is a 16-year-old American pickleball player, who was born on January 26, 2007, in Delray Beach, Florida. Let us see more about her net worth salary, personal life and more.
Anna Leigh Waters Career
Anna Leigh Waters, hailing from Delray Beach, Florida, discovered her passion for pickleball during Hurricane Irma in 2017, when she and her mother played the sport while visiting her grandparents in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her skill rapidly developed, and at just 11 years old, she competed in her first tournament in Dallas, Texas. In 2019, at the astonishing age of 12, she earned the title of the youngest professional pickleball player in history.
Despite taking a break in 2020 due to the pandemic, Waters emerged triumphant in various categories, excelling in doubles, mixed doubles, and singles competitions. Her mother, Leigh Waters, herself a former NCAA Division I tennis player at the University of South Carolina, serves as both her doubles partner and coach, forming the only mother-daughter team in professional pickleball.
Waters’ prowess on the court has led to exciting matches with notable figures like swimmer Michael Phelps, actor Jamie Foxx, and golfers Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. She even took on football legends Larry Fitzgerald and Danny Wuerffel.
Throughout her career, Waters has accumulated an impressive list of victories, including the 2021 doubles national championship at the Orlando Cup and gold medals in singles at the Newport Beach Showcase, Orlando Cup, and Texas Open. Her aggressive playing style, marked by strength and speed, sets her apart from conventional pickleball techniques.
In a historic milestone, Waters and her mother engaged in the first nationally televised pickleball match on CBS Sports in 2022, defeating Lucy Kovalova and Callie Smith at the Skechers Invitational Summer Championship in Los Angeles.
More recently, in May 2023, she and former tennis No. 8 Jack Sock, who was playing in his first professional pickleball match, won the PPA North Carolina Open mixed doubles championship.
In addition to her outstanding career, Waters is dating Christian Alshon, a standout in the sport of pickleball. Pickleball players and viewers alike continue to be inspired and enthralled by her progress in the sport.
How did it start for Anna Leigh Waters?
Leigh and Anna Leigh’s journey into pickleball began unexpectedly in September 2017 during Hurricane Irma. Seeking refuge in Pennsylvania, Leigh’s father introduced them to the sport. Initially hesitant, they eventually gave it a try and found themselves playing passionately for hours each day during their stay.
Leigh, having a background as a Division I tennis player, quickly adapted her skills to excel in pickleball. Meanwhile, Anna Leigh, a natural athlete, also displayed immense talent. Back in Florida, they joined the Delray Beach Pickleball Club and participated in a tournament, which opened their eyes to the level of competition.
Determined to improve, they practiced diligently, studying shot nuances and honing their gameplay. Leigh turned pro in 2018, and Anna Leigh followed suit in 2019, often playing as a doubles team but occasionally competing against each other in mixed doubles.
While initially focused on her own career, Leigh’s perspective shifted, embracing her daughter’s potential for greatness. She now supports Anna Leigh’s growth and success, hoping she will surpass her achievements.
In their remarkable journey, the two thrive as a team and have made significant strides in the pickleball community. Their bond as mother and daughter adds an extra layer of camaraderie to their remarkable partnership on the court.
Net Worth
Anna Leigh Waters has achieved considerable success in her pickleball career, amassing a net worth of $1.5 million in 2023. As a rising star in the world of professional pickleball, her talents and dedication to the sport have undoubtedly contributed to her financial success.
While her exact salary remains undisclosed, her accomplishments on the court, along with various endorsements and sponsorships, have likely played a significant role in building her impressive net worth. As she continues to excel in her career, her earnings and financial standing are expected to grow, solidifying her position as one of the sport’s prominent figures.
Personal Life
According to the Professional Pickleball Association, she is now ranked first in the world in the categories of doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. She became the youngest pickleball player in history at the age of just 12.
She does well in doubles when she teams up with her mother, Leigh Waters. Waters, who was homeschooled by her grandma, is committed to her pickleball career and may put off going to college. She is sponsored by Fila and Paddleteck, and she has created a custom paddle for the company. Additionally, Lock Laces supports her, and she just renewed her contract with Paddletek through February 10, 2023.
She is currently in a relationship with Christian Alshon, who is also a pickleball player.
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