Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Interview with Leigh Waters


Mother-Daughter Duo Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters Take the Pickleball World By Storm

Longtime Athlete Leigh Waters Finds New Life in Pickleball Alongside Rising Teen Star Daughter


On the Simply Pickleball Podcast with Chrystal Brown, Leigh Waters talked about being a competitive athlete for as long as she can remember. Growing up with an athletic father who played baseball at a high level, sports were always a major part of her life.


After a successful college tennis career at the University of South Carolina, Waters went on to law school and became a lawyer. But her competitive spirit never faded. Now, alongside her teenage daughter Anna Leigh, she has found astonishing success and joy in the world of professional pickleball.


1. Leigh Waters Introduction - I've been an athlete my entire life (1:28)

"I've been an athlete my entire life," says Waters. "My father was very athletic and very into sports." Waters played softball and tennis from a very young age, eventually focusing on tennis in high school due to her love of the individual and competitive nature of the sport. Her athletic drive led her to become a top college player at the University of South Carolina.


2. Post College - Tennis (2:41)

After college, Waters felt burnt out from competitive tennis and took a break from racket sports during law school. "I remember after NCAAs my senior year, as soon as we lost I took all my rackets and I gave them to a friend," she recalls. "I was done."


3. Law School (3:29)

Waters enjoyed the academic side of law school, focusing her athletic intensity into her studies. After becoming a lawyer, she realized that confrontational legal work wasn't the right fit for her personality. But she found a niche doing litigation support and remote work, becoming the first woman at her firm to work from home. Her drive and discipline continued, even without sports as an outlet.

4. Becoming a mom (4:36)

After becoming a mom to daughter Anna Leigh in 2007, Waters remained active, just without the focus of competitive sports. But that would soon change.


5. Anna Leigh picked up tennis at age 8 (5:01)

Waters' early athleticism clearly ran in the family. Around age 7 or 8, Anna Leigh announced that she wanted to start playing tennis. Waters was hesitant at first, not wanting to push tennis on her daughter just because of her own history with the sport. But Anna Leigh was determined, and soon was eagerly hitting the courts multiple times a week.


6. Did you see potential in Anna Leigh at a young age? (5:47)

Though Anna Leigh was athletic, Waters says she didn't immediately stand out from other kids her age. "Some of her coaches would be like 'Are you sure she's your daughter?'" Waters laughs. But around 8 years old, Anna Leigh's soccer and tennis skills began to take off. "I definitely saw that she had potential," says Waters.


7. How did you guys get into pickleball? (6:43)

The family's pickleball origin story began in the fall of 2017, Anna Leigh and Leigh evacuated to Leigh’s father's home in Pennsylvania due to Hurricane Irma. He introduced them to the sport at his local pickleball courts. Though hesitant at first, they were immediately captivated. "Literally that first day we were like hooked," says Waters. They played obsessively during the 2 week visit, quickly improving their skills.


8. When did you get serious about pickleball? (8:43)

Though they loved the game from the start, Leigh says pickleball was purely for fun at first, as there wasn't much of a pickleball circuit or opportunities for kids. However, in November 2017, following their inaugural triumph at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic, where they both secured gold medals, they commenced intensive training and participation in additional tournaments.


Leigh reflected on the beginnings of her pickleball journey, noting that the resurgence of a competitive drive played a significant role. Another contributing factor was her immediate proficiency in the sport, with her tennis skills seamlessly transitioning. Upon returning to Florida, they joined a pickleball group in Del Rey Beach, where experienced players welcomed them. and invited her to be a partner in an upcoming pro tournament. Despite her initial lack of awareness about tournaments and pro events, she embraced the opportunity. The first pro tournament proved challenging, revealing gaps in her skills, particularly in handling third shot drops and extended dinking rallies. This experience fueled Waters' determination to improve and marked the somewhat shaky start of her pickleball venture.


9. 2017: Did you take lessons? Did you get a coach? (10:35)

Despite the absence of formal lessons or coaches at the time, Anna Leigh immersed herself in the game by playing at local courts. The limited number of tournaments, mostly within the state, contrasted with the current extensive circuit. As the only child frequently present at pickleball courts during the initial year, Anna Leigh benefited from the welcoming community.


Her pickleball proficiency enabled her to gain valuable experience by playing with various individuals, both better and worse than her. This period was considered advantageous for her development, marked by her active participation in games alongside more seasoned players.


10. Home school, playing together (11:51)

Juggling academics and athletics became more manageable for Anna Leigh, thanks to her grandmother's role as her homeschooling instructor. This arrangement afforded Anna Leigh the flexibility to regularly accompany her mom to the pickleball courts. Leigh fondly remembers the warm and supportive embrace of the community towards young Anna Leigh on the courts.


11. Did you see potential in Anna Leigh's pickleball game? (12:29)

It didn't take long for Waters to realize her daughter had huge potential in pickleball. Though small in stature at the time, Anna Leigh's tennis skills translated perfectly to the sport. "She had great footwork, great technique, great volleys," says Leigh. Anna Leigh also quickly developed an advanced strategic grasp of the game.


12. Leigh's Pickleball Career, Family Fun, Soccer, Stacie Townsend (14:16)

The family observed positive developments, such as growing sponsorships and a generally upward trajectory for pickleball. While financial gains were not substantial at this point, the family continued to invest in the sport because of the enjoyment derived from traveling together and spending weekends as a family. Even as Leigh pursued a professional pickleball career independently, the focus on winning and being the best was not the primary goal due to limited monetary incentives.


During 2018, Anna Leigh was engaged in travel soccer and tennis tournaments, demonstrating a diversified sporting interest. The Leigh recalls that pickleball, while on an upward trajectory, was still not a central focus. Anna Leigh partnered with a local friend, Stacie Townsend, an Olympic-level softball player, achieving remarkable success in tournaments, highlighting the fun and collaborative nature of their experience in the sport.


13. When did things shift - Texas Open 2018 (16:08)

The turning point in the family's pickleball journey occurred in 2018, as recounted by Leigh. During the Texas Open, Leigh's intended partner couldn't make it, and Anna Leigh, previously focused on mixed doubles, didn't have a partner. With no expectations, Leigh invited Anna Leigh to be her partner in the Pro event. Despite initial doubts from some, they reached the finals and secured second place.


The experience was characterized by seamless collaboration, enjoyment, and impressive gameplay. This unexpected success marked a shift in perception for Leigh, realizing that pickleball had become something much more significant than just a source of fun. The memorable tournament showcased Anna Leigh's readiness for professional play, challenging preconceived notions about her abilities. The event did not have age brackets; it was an open Pro competition, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the sport.


14. Age brackets? Open Pro (17:19)

Remarkably, there were no age limitations yet in major pickleball tournaments at this time. Waters recalls Anna Leigh being too young to even register for amateur tournaments just a year prior. But their impressive Texas Open finish demonstrated that 11 year old Anna Leigh could hang with the top adult professionals.


15. Mother/Daughter On Court Relationship (17:57)

Playing competitive pickleball together as mother and daughter could have been a recipe for tension and disagreements. But Waters and Anna Leigh were always able to maintain perspective and positivity on the court. "She never felt like she was the child and I was the mom," says Waters. "We were an equal team." This healthy dynamic fueled their continued success.


16. What happen next? Pickleball Fame 2019 (19:27)

In 2019, a significant transformation occurred for the mother/daughter duo in their pickleball journey. They not only began playing together regularly but also witnessed a surge in the sport's popularity, with more tournaments and sponsorships becoming prevalent.


Despite Anna Leigh's continued dedication to soccer, pickleball was gaining prominence. The duo's success reached a pinnacle when they won the Nationals at the end of 2019, a moment that made them realize their potential and the sport's growth.


This success fueled their enthusiasm, and they planned to approach 2020 with a focused and determined mindset. However, the momentum was abruptly interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their plans and the broader pickleball landscape.


17. Wayne Dollard - soccer players make good pickleball players (21:02)

Fellow pro player Wayne Dollard once told Crystal Brown that soccer players often excel at pickleball due to their footwork. This certainly proved true in Anna Leigh's case. The assets she developed as an elite youth soccer player translated perfectly to excellence in pickleball. Her physical tools combined with Waters' experience and coaching propelled them to the top.


18. 2020 - COVID (22:46)

Like all competitive pickleball players, Leigh and Anna Leigh saw their momentum stalled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. They isolated as a precaution and only played periodically with a small, trusted group of local players. Meanwhile, many other pros used the time away from tournaments to improve their games dramatically.


19. Coming back in 2021 was an eye opening experience (24:34)

When Leigh and Anna Leigh returned to competitive play in 2021 after their long pandemic break, they were in for a shock. The level of play had improved tremendously, with much faster volleys and more aggressive strategies. "We have a lot of work to do," Waters remembers thinking. But they embraced the challenge, training hard to reclaim their top form.


20. Did Anna Leigh let soccer go? (25:47)

During the COVID-19 period, Anna Leigh continued to balance her love for soccer while deciding to let go of tennis. She enjoyed tennis practice but found junior tournaments less enjoyable, prompting her decision to focus on soccer instead. In the pandemic year, soccer took precedence, and she minimized her involvement in pickleball.


However, in 2021, with both soccer and pickleball on her plate, Anna Leigh and Leigh redirected their focus toward pickleball. Recognizing the growing significance of pickleball, the family decided to invest more time and effort into the sport in the first half of 2021, marking a period of significant rebuilding and dedication to improving their skills.


21. Did you stick with your game? Drilling (27:08)

To improve their skills after the pandemic, Leigh and Anna Leigh turned to serious drilling, something they had never emphasized before. Waters notes that some players don't devote enough time to drilling, only focusing on playing games. "Drilling 80% of the time vs playing 20% is key if you want to get better," she says.


22. Adding weight to paddles (27:48)

Another new tactic Leigh and Anna Leigh adopted was adding weight to their paddles to generate more power. "It really helped us with counters and returning those heavier balls," she explained. Customizing paddle weight is crucial as players amp up their shots and athleticism. The right weight provides essential control.


23. Sponsorships, Paddletek (28:45)

The sponsorship journey for Anna Leigh and Leigh began unexpectedly during Anna Leigh's first tournament. While playing, the Paddletek representative witnessed Anna Leigh's potential and unique status as a young player in the sport.


"They just thought wow, this kid's got potential," says Leigh. Sponsorships remain key for professional players and brands building awareness.


The mother-daughter duo's collaboration with Paddletek evolved. Paddletek became their first significant sponsor, marking the start of their sponsorship journey. Other major sponsorships began to follow suit as their visibility and success in the pickleball community grew, making it a pivotal period for their professional partnerships.


24. How did it feel as a mom? (29:58)

Watching her daughter succeed in such a major way at a young age could have been a complicated feeling for Leigh. But she insists it was purely positive. "I'm just ecstatic that that's what's happening," she says. "I've had my college career...for her even at this level it's just amazing."


25. Pickleball Growth PPA/MLP (31:06)

Waters has witnessed first hand the meteoric growth of professional pickleball over the past few years, especially with the formation of new leagues like the PPA Tour and MLP. "Now the money is great, sponsorships are amping up," she says. Massive media deals and TV coverage have accelerated expansion.


26. At the end of 2021, Anna Leigh did not want to play soccer anymore (32:16)

After winning Nationals in late 2021, Anna Leigh approached her parents and said she no longer wanted to compete in soccer, despite it being her longtime passion. After multiple teammates endured serious injuries, she worried about her own long term health in the sport. At 14, she was ready to devote herself to pickleball full time.


27. Fast forward 2022, ACL Injury at Nationals (33:35)

In 2022, Leigh and Anna Leigh established themselves as one of the top women's pickleball teams, ranking first in the Women's pro doubles standings. As they aimed for a three-peat at Nationals, a significant setback occurred when Leigh tore her ACL during a mixed doubles match with Tyson McGuffin.


The immediate realization of the injury brought a sense of despair, hoping it wasn't the ACL. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a complete rupture, necessitating surgery. In the aftermath, Leigh grappled with the emotional impact of the injury, fearing that her dreams of playing with her daughter were shattered. The struggle persisted until her ACL surgery four months later, reflecting the profound emotional toll the injury had taken on her.


28. The Mental Game (34:53)

Waters is candid that the ACL injury took a major mental and emotional toll. "I really struggled with that until I actually had my ACL surgery," she explains. However, coaching turned out to offer a therapeutic and rejuvenating new sense of purpose.


29. Coaching Is Really Fun (36:25)

With her own competitive playing on hold, Waters took on a new role coaching Anna Leigh and MLP teams. She found that she loved the strategic aspects of coaching, and her experience made her uniquely qualified. Her leadership was invaluable for the teams.


30. Rally Scoring, MLP Teams (39:09)

While Leigh prefers traditional scoring, she recognizes that rally scoring works well for the MLP team format. She notes that the constant coaching and cheering from the sidelines is very different from quiet PPA tournaments. The team environment creates unique energy, passion and pressures.


31. Anna Leigh is very well known, Building A Brand (40:50)

As Anna Leigh's fame increases, privacy becomes more difficult for the family. Leigh says they must navigate "how many people do you want to know who you are" and remain grounded. Anna Leigh is thoughtful in building her brand, launching a new logo and signature paddle. Staying humble is crucial.


32. Future Superstar, Being a Teenager (43:24)

Maintaining perspective will only become more vital as Anna Leigh's star rises. "Things keep getting bigger and bigger," notes Leigh. Her main role is ensuring Anna Leigh stays true to herself through growing fame and pressure. Maintaining a positive social media presence is a priority as she continues to evolve and grow.


33. Everyone tends to come back to their roots (44:10)

Regardless of the level of attention young athletes receive, Leighs contends that they often return to the foundational values instilled in them during their upbringing. She and her husband instilled strong values and character in Anna Leigh from a very young age. These roots should help ground Anna Leigh as her career progresses.


34. Young Minds - We travel as a pack (46:13)

Leigh emphasizes the influence of social media on young minds, acknowledging both its advantages and downsides. Despite external influences, Anna Leigh has a solid support system consisting of her parents and other family members. The family travels together, providing a close-knit support base. There has never been pressure on Anna Leigh from her family to pursue any sport if she feels unhappy or miserable. The key has always been to prioritize her happiness and passion. This approach, according to Leigh, has contributed to Anna Leigh thriving in her chosen pursuits. The discussion also draws parallels to the impact of influential soccer players on inspiring young women to pursue soccer, suggesting that pickleball, with its diverse facets, holds similar potential for growth and influence.


35. Can Pickleball Save America? What is coming up in 2024? (47:08)

Looking ahead, Leigh discusses the evolving landscape of pickleball, expressing excitement about the increasing TV coverage, growing sponsorships from major companies, and the sport's international expansion.


In January, she is expected to be fully recovered from her ACL injury from 2022 and plans to return gradually, focusing on coaching and advisory roles. The overall outlook is optimistic, anticipating a vibrant and eventful year ahead for the pickleball community. As role models, Leigh and Anna Leigh hope to play their own small part in spreading the game's joy and power to bring people together.


36. Anna Leigh's Personal Brand (49:40)

Though already affiliated with major sponsors, Anna Leigh is just starting to build her own personal brand. She recently trademarked a logo design to incorporate onto her own merchandise. But her focus remains on enjoying the game, traveling to tournaments, and growing pickleball's international appeal.


37. Social Media (52:21)

As a public figure, Leigh takes the brunt of criticism on social media so Anna Leigh is protected from negativity. She notes how hard it is for anyone to avoid pitfalls on social media. Keeping Anna Leigh's online presence fun and positive will be an ongoing priority as her profile expands exponentially.


A Mother-Daughter Bond Strengthened Through Pickleball

In the end, pickleball has hugely enriched the relationship between Leigh and Anna Leigh. They have traveled the world together, forged new memories, and achieved iconic status in this booming sport...all before Anna Leigh has even finished high school.


As Anna Leigh's once-in-a-generation talent continues attracting attention, Leigh remains grounded as her mentor, coach, and mom. Through both individual accomplishments and shared triumphs, this mother-daughter duo has already left an indelible mark on professional pickleball. But their greatest victories surely lie ahead.



YouTube Time Code List
  1. 1:28 Leigh Waters Introduction - I've been an athlete my entire life
  2. 2:41 Post College - Tennis
  3. 3:29 Law School
  4. 4:36 Becoming a mom
  5. 5:01 Anna Leigh picked up tennis at age 8
  6. 5:47 Did you see potential in Anna Leigh at a young age?
  7. 6:43 How did you guys get into pickleball?
  8. 8:43 When did you get serious about pickleball?
  9. 10:35 2017: Did you take lessons? Did you get a coach?
  10. 11:51 Home school, playing together
  11. 12:29 Did you see potential in Anna Leigh's pickleball game?
  12. 14:16 Leigh's Pickleball Career, Family Fun, Soccer, Stacie Townsend
  13. 16:08 When did things shift - Texas Open 2018
  14. 17:19 Age brackets? Open Pro
  15. 17:57 Mother/Daughter On Court Relationship
  16. 19:27 What happen next? Pickleball Fame 2019
  17. 21:02 Wayne Dollard - soccer players make good pickleball players
  18. 22:46 2020 - COVID
  19. 24:34 Coming back in 2021 was an eye opening experience
  20. 25:47 Did Anna Leigh let soccer go?
  21. 27:08 Did you stick with your game? Drilling
  22. 27:48 Adding weight to paddles
  23. 28:45 Sponsorships, Paddletek
  24. 29:58 How did it feel as a mom?
  25. 31:06 Pickleball Growth PPA/MLP
  26. 32:16 At the end of 2021, Anna Leigh did not want to play soccer anymore
  27. 33:35 Fast forward 2022, ACL Injury at Nationals
  28. 34:53 The Mental Game
  29. 36:25 Coaching Is Really Fun
  30. 39:09 Rally Scoring, MLP Teams
  31. 40:50 Anna Leigh is very well known, Building A Brand
  32. 43:24 Future Superstar, Being a Teenager
  33. 44:10 Everyone tends to come back to their roots
  34. 46:13 Young Minds - We travel as a pack
  35. 47:08 Can Pickleball Save America? What is coming up in 2024?
  36. 49:40 Anna Leigh's Personal Brand
  37. 52:21 Social Media

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