Anna Leigh Waters, widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player in the world, was once a soccer prodigy with professional potential. Her former soccer coach, Clem McAuley, believes that if she were to return to soccer, she could land a pro tryout within six months and potentially join the Women's National Team within two years.
Waters' athletic prowess and competitive drive were evident from a young age. According to McAuley, she practiced with a level of intensity and dedication that is rare in athletes, even at the professional level. He recalls that she was always focused on winning and being the best on the field, and that her work ethic and mindset were unparalleled. As a soccer player, Waters was a standout, scoring 46 goals and 31 assists in 38 games during her U15 season, averaging an impressive 2.03 points per game.
From Soccer to Pickleball
Despite her potential in soccer, Waters ultimately chose to pursue a career in pickleball, and her decision has paid off. She has become a dominant force in the sport, with an unprecedented 205 gold medals, 45 Triple Crowns, and a sustained undefeated streak in singles matches on the PPA Tour. Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including being named to the TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports and becoming the first pickleball athlete to sign with Nike.
Some of her notable achievements include:
- US Open Champion: Waters has won multiple US Open titles, including back-to-back Triple Crowns in 2021 and 2022.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) titles: She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and has won three event titles for the New Jersey 5s, including the 2024 Mid-Season Tournament and Super Sunday belts in Columbus, Austin, and New York in 2026.
- Signature paddle: Waters has her own signature paddle, the Franklin C45 Aurelius, which is available for purchase.
- TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports: She was named to this prestigious list, recognizing her impact and influence in the world of sports.
- Nike sponsorship: Waters is the first pickleball athlete to sign with Nike, a testament to her marketability and dominance in the sport.
- Winningest player in pickleball history: With her impressive record and numerous titles, Waters is widely regarded as the most dominant player in pickleball history.
Leading pickleball analyst Erik Tice has praised Waters, stating that she has "clearly established herself as the most dominant woman in pickleball history" at just 19 years old. With her incredible talent, work ethic, and dedication, Waters is sure to continue making waves in the pickleball world for years to come.
