Shock Split: Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters End Historic Doubles Partnership
Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters have officially parted ways as doubles partners—just one day after competing in the women’s doubles final at the Veolia North Carolina Open.
Parenteau, speaking candidly on The Hannah Johns Podcast, revealed that she received a call from Waters the day after their four-game loss to Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson on Championship Sunday. That call marked the end of one of the most dominant partnerships in professional pickleball.
“On Monday, I got a call from Anna Leigh, and the call was a very nice call,” said Parenteau. “She just explained to me that she was ready to try something different, and I respected her decision. It was very nice. Short and sweet… Honestly, it was a little bit shocking. It’s not something I was aware of.”
A Record to Remember
Parenteau and Waters were nothing short of legendary on the PPA Tour. Together, they compiled a mind-blowing 159-6 record, winning 31 titles and dominating nearly every major event they entered. Their 96.36% match-winning rate speaks volumes about their chemistry, consistency, and strategic excellence.
They were not just partners on the court—they were a powerhouse duo that many considered nearly unbeatable. The pair were instrumental in shaping the landscape of women’s doubles in pickleball, turning their partnership into one of the most successful in the sport’s history.
A Graceful Goodbye
Despite the unexpected split, the 30-year-old Canadian star remains optimistic about the future.
“I’m really grateful to have been able to play with Anna Leigh. We go way back, many years back. I played with her mom before, and I love the whole family,” Parenteau shared. “I’m really proud of our record. That’s something I’m going to be forever proud of.”
She added that while the phone call was emotional, it was filled with mutual respect and understanding.
“It’s very hard to say goodbye. We’re very good friends, on and off the court.”
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, Waters has already announced she will team up with Anna Bright for the remainder of the 2025 season. Parenteau, meanwhile, is in the early stages of determining her path forward.
“The field right now is so deep. There are so many great players out there… I’m still trying to figure out my schedule for the rest of the year, but I’m really excited to try different partners.”
She acknowledged the difficulty of locking in a permanent partner so late in the year, given that most top players have already made commitments.
“I might go with just one partner, or I might try a few different ones. We’ll see.”
A New Rivalry on the Horizon?
The two former partners will soon find themselves on opposite sides of the net, adding an exciting new layer to the women’s doubles competition. Their first head-to-head matchup is expected to take place during the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, when the PPA Tour resumes in mid-May.
“That’s going to be interesting, different, you know, mixed feelings,” Parenteau admitted. “I’m sure it’s going to be fun battling against each other. We’ve done it so many times in singles, so it’s nothing too new or too different.”
Though it marks the end of an era, fans can look forward to seeing both athletes continue to shine—this time as rivals rather than teammates.
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