Explore the inspiring story of Anna Leigh Waters, a 17-year-old pickleball prodigy who turned her passion into a multimillion-dollar empire, becoming one of the sport’s youngest and most successful athletes.
As pickleball rapidly gains popularity across the United States, it has not only drawn health-conscious enthusiasts but also a new wave of professional athletes eager to compete on the global stage. Among the standout figures in this fast-growing sport is Anna Leigh Waters, a 17-year-old sensation who has quickly ascended to millionaire status, amassing a fortune of nearly $2.2 million.
Pickleball, once a recreational pastime, has transformed into a competitive sport, attracting substantial investments and sponsorships. This surge in interest led to the establishment of two independent professional circuits in 2019: the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) and the Pickleball Professionals Association (PPA). By 2021, the Major League Pickleball (MLP) was formed, further cementing the sport’s place in the professional sports arena.
The transition from amateur to professional play has been swift and profound, with many players pursuing their dreams of competing at the highest levels. Data from the USA Pickleball Association reveals a remarkable 39.3% increase in player numbers between 2020 and 2022, reflecting the sport’s explosive growth.
Top-tier pickleball players now enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals, a far cry from the early days of the sport. Major networks like ESPN have even secured broadcasting rights for prestigious tournaments, showcasing the sport’s expanding influence. Prize money has also surged, with individual awards often exceeding five figures in U.S. dollars. The sport’s appeal is evident, with YouTube match highlights garnering over two million views.
The Covid-19 pandemic, with its associated restrictions and gym closures, inadvertently fueled the sport’s popularity. As reported by The Economist, mobile pickleball nets sold out in March 2021, with athletes setting up makeshift courts in the streets to continue playing during lockdowns.
Amidst this pickleball boom, Anna Leigh Waters has emerged as the sport’s brightest star. Born into a sports-oriented family, she was introduced to pickleball in 2017 during a temporary relocation to escape Hurricane Irma. What began as backyard matches with her grandfather quickly blossomed into a full-fledged career. By the age of 12, Waters had become the youngest professional pickleball player in history, and within a few short years, she was dominating the sport.
Initially partnering with her mother, Leigh Waters, Anna Leigh helped pioneer a new, aggressive style of play known as “banging” and “ripping,” which quickly won them a dedicated fan base. This aggressive approach, where they forced their opponents into mistakes, led to numerous victories and a growing legion of supporters.
As her fame grew, so did the sponsorship opportunities. Today, Anna Leigh is ranked as the world’s top player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Major brands have lined up to sponsor the young prodigy, further boosting her earnings and solidifying her status as a millionaire.
Balancing her life as a typical teenager with the demands of professional sports, Anna Leigh remains grounded, always flashing a bright smile even amidst intense competition. Her talent and charm have earned her the nickname “princess” of American sports, and her achievements have landed her on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in both 2022 and 2023.
At just 17, Anna Leigh Waters has already secured her place as a millionaire through her prowess on the pickleball court. Her monthly earnings from tournaments range between $10,000 and $13,000, which she considers her salary, while sponsorships cover most of her sports-related expenses. Recently, she even purchased a luxury condo for her parents in Florida, a testament to her financial success.
As pickleball continues to thrive and with the possibility of it becoming an Olympic sport, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star. Anna Leigh Waters is not just a pickleball champion; she is a trailblazer in a sport that is rapidly capturing the world’s attention.
