Leigh Waters and Anna Leigh Waters: A Winning Mother-Daughter Duo On and Off the Court
When you think of iconic duos in sports, few can match the chemistry and heartwarming bond of Leigh Waters and Anna Leigh Waters. Their journey from court partners to one of the most well-known coach-athlete relationships in professional pickleball is nothing short of inspiring.
A Bond That Goes Beyond the Court
Leigh Waters wears multiple hats—she’s a mom, a coach, a mentor, and a former top-ranked pickleball pro. Her relationship with daughter Anna Leigh has evolved beautifully over time, showing what’s possible when love, discipline, and a shared dream come together.
From Traveling Together to Winning Together
As Anna Leigh Waters emerged as a rising star, especially as an only child constantly traveling for tournaments, she always had her biggest supporter by her side—her mom. Leigh not only managed her schedule and training but also became a strong emotional anchor. What many fans might not realize is that Leigh wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes presence—she was once half of the No. 1 women’s doubles team in pickleball before a torn ACL sidelined her competitive career.
“People see her as my coach, my manager, and my mom,” Anna Leigh shared on the In Search of Excellence podcast. “But they don’t remember we used to be the top team until she got injured.”
The Competitor Never Left
In fact, there was a time when Leigh Waters was the stronger player, and during a mixed doubles tournament, she even defeated Anna Leigh. However, tides eventually turned.
“It went from her annihilating me to me finally beating her,” said Anna Leigh with a laugh.
The milestone was bittersweet. Leigh’s response?
“It’s not time yet. You’re 12 years old!”
It took her a day to come to terms with the shift, showing that fiery Waters competitive spirit never really fades.
From Player to Coach: A Natural Transition
Leigh’s transition from player to full-time coach came naturally and gracefully. As she recalled on the Talk Pickle to Me podcast:
“Anna Leigh was getting better, and I was slowing down. I didn’t want to hold her back. Coaching became a new challenge I fell in love with.”
More Than a Team: Best Friends on Tour
Now, Leigh Waters stands as one of the most respected and stylish coaches in professional pickleball, coaching not only Anna Leigh but also Christian Alshon. Despite the coaching responsibilities, the fun, friendship, and family connection between mother and daughter remain strong. Their social media is filled with lighthearted videos, behind-the-scenes laughs, and heartfelt moments that endear them to fans even more.
“She’s my best friend. She takes all the pressure off me so I can focus on my game. I’m so blessed,” said Anna Leigh.
