History of Anna Leigh Waters in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

Anna Leigh Waters is a dominant force in professional pickleball, widely recognized as one of the sport's greatest players of all time. Turning professional at the age of 12, she quickly rose to prominence by becoming the youngest player to win a Triple Crown at a PPA Tour event. Known for her exceptional court coverage, powerful groundstrokes, and strategic maturity beyond her years, Waters has consistently held the world number one ranking in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her partnership with her mother, Leigh Waters, initially brought them into the spotlight, but she has since solidified her own legacy as a prolific champion across the PPA and MLP circuits. By transforming the competitive landscape of professional pickleball, she has become a central figure in the sport's rapid global expansion and mainstream success.

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Full Timeline

January 26, 2007: Birth of Anna Leigh Waters

Anna Leigh Waters, who would go on to become a world-renowned professional pickleball player, was born on January 26, 2007.

2007: Birth of Anna Leigh Waters

Anna Leigh Waters was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 2007.

2015: Relocation to Delray Beach

In 2015, Anna Leigh Waters and her family relocated from North Carolina to Delray Beach, Florida, where she pursued her interest in competitive soccer.

2017: Introduction to Pickleball

In 2017, while evacuating North Carolina due to Hurricane Irma, Anna Leigh Waters started playing pickleball at her grandparents' house in Allentown, Pennsylvania, under the guidance of her father.

2019: Becoming the Youngest Professional Pickleball Player

In 2019, at the age of 12, Anna Leigh Waters achieved a major milestone by winning her first national title and officially becoming the youngest professional pickleball player in history.

2022: First Nationally Televised Pickleball Match

In 2022, Anna Leigh Waters and her mother, Leigh Waters, participated in the first-ever nationally televised pickleball match, which was broadcast on CBS Sports during the Skechers Invitational Summer Championship held in Los Angeles.

2023: Professional Training Update

As of 2023, professional pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters was receiving training from Brandon Oakes and Jack Llewellyn to support her ongoing career development.

January 2026: Franklin Sports Sponsorship Signing

As of January 8, 2026, professional pickleball athlete Anna Leigh Waters officially signed a sponsorship agreement with Franklin Sports, marking a significant milestone in her professional career.

January 28, 2026: Career Statistics Milestone

As of January 28, 2026, Anna Leigh Waters achieved a significant milestone in professional pickleball, holding 181 gold medals, 39 triple crowns, and the world No. 1 ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles through the Professional Pickleball Association.