Anna Leigh Waters was born on January 26, 2007, in Delray Beach, Florida. As of 2025, she is 17 years old and already a big name in the fast-growing world of pickleball. Her love for sports came naturally. Her mom, Leigh Waters, was an athlete herself. So it’s no surprise that sports were a part of Anna’s daily routine right from the beginning.
Pickleball didn’t just happen by accident for her. It started as a fun family activity. But soon, it became something more. Anna showed a unique spark on the court. Her talent stood out, even as a young teen. Leigh, seeing the potential, stepped in as not just a mom but also a doubles partner. That’s when things really took off.
Early Breakthrough
Anna’s professional career began in 2019 when she was just 12. She turned heads after winning the Women’s Doubles Pro title at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships with her mom, Leigh Waters. That moment was huge. It wasn’t just a win—it was the start of something big.
From there, her rise was rapid. She started competing in high-level tournaments across the country. Over the next few years, she stacked up a record that players twice her age would dream of. She has now won 36 singles titles, 31 women’s doubles titles, and 33 mixed doubles titles. These wins came across various events, including the Florida Grand Slam and the PPA Tour.
Family Behind the Scenes
Leigh Waters is more than just a parent in Anna’s journey. She’s been a coach, mentor, business partner, and even a teammate. The mother-daughter pair are well-known in the pickleball circuit. Their chemistry on the court and off it shows how important family support can be in a young athlete’s life.
Though Anna keeps most of her family life private, it’s clear that her bond with her mom has been a driving force. They’ve worked together not just in matches but in shaping her career path and brand.
Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Anna Leigh Waters’ net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 million. This figure reflects a mix of her earnings from tournament wins, endorsement deals, social media sponsorships, and brand collaborations.
While pickleball doesn’t yet offer the massive paychecks that tennis or golf do, Anna is among the highest earners in her sport. Tournament prize money makes up a portion of her income, although exact earnings per event are often undisclosed.
A big part of her income comes from partnerships with major brands. Paddletek, one of the top pickleball paddle makers, sponsors her gear. She also has deals with FILA and Skechers, giving her exposure in the wider sports and fashion markets. These brands benefit from her fresh image and wide fan appeal.
Her online presence adds another layer to her financial success. With thousands of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, she’s also earning from social media collaborations. Brands see her as a strong voice for young athletes, and that boosts her market value.
Life Outside the Court
Anna keeps her personal life low-key. At just 17, she’s focused fully on pickleball. She’s said in interviews that dating or social distractions aren’t a priority right now. Instead, her time is spent training, traveling for tournaments, and working with sponsors.
She also uses her platform to encourage kids to get active. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes clips from practice or motivational tips, she’s always aiming to inspire others. She’s often featured in youth sports clinics and works with programs promoting active lifestyles among teens.
Building a Brand
What makes Anna stand out is how well she blends elite-level talent with social connection. Her videos on TikTok and Instagram get thousands of views. She knows how to keep content fun, fresh, and real. That makes her relatable to young fans and marketable to companies.
From court clips to product shoutouts, she keeps a strong online presence that helps her brand grow. This isn’t just about followers—it’s about building long-term influence in a sport that’s still expanding.
Impact on Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters isn’t just winning medals. She’s changing how people see pickleball. A few years ago, it was mostly played by adults and retirees. Now, thanks in part to her energy and visibility, young athletes are picking up paddles in record numbers.
Pickleball courts are popping up at schools, clubs, and parks across the U.S. And Anna’s face is often the one on promotional posters. Her role as a modern-day ambassador for the sport has pushed it further into mainstream conversation.
What’s Next?
With so much already achieved, it’s easy to forget that Anna is still a teenager. Her future looks packed with opportunity. There’s talk of even more sponsorships, international events, and possibly getting involved in designing her own line of gear.
She’s also expected to take part in more global tours as pickleball spreads into Europe and Asia. That kind of exposure could bring both more earnings and a wider fanbase.
She might even become one of the sport’s first crossover stars—someone who balances elite play with mainstream brand deals and media appearances.
Final Word
At 17, Anna Leigh Waters is already a leader in a rising sport. With a net worth of $1.4 million and growing, she’s proving that talent, dedication, and smart choices can lead to real success—even in a sport still finding its place on the world stage.
Her story isn’t just about pickleball. It’s about what’s possible when family, focus, and a love for the game come together. And she’s only just getting started.
