Anna Leigh Waters: From the Youngest Prodigy to Pickleball’s #1 Player | E144

Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest professional pickleball player to achieve world number one status in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat she accomplished at just 14 years old. As a pioneer in the rapidly growing sport, Anna Leigh has not only dominated on the court but also navigated the complexities of contracts, sponsorships, and the professionalization of pickleball. With accolades like being the top pick in the MLP Draft and endorsements from major brands, she’s become a trailblazer in the sport's evolution. Beyond her athletic achievements, Anna Leigh offers inspiring insights into mental toughness, managing fame, and preparing for the future, all while balancing her role as a role model for young athletes worldwide.Timestamps:00:01:59 - Anna's Childhood00:09:12 - Anna's First Pickleball Game00:12:27 - Rules of Pickleball00:17:09 - Anna's First Tournament00:24:27 - Anna's Love for Soccer00:33:03 - Anna Playing Tennis00:38:56 - Anna's Parents00:49:30 - How to Master Pickleball00:54:20 - Different Leagues in PickleballResourcesAnna's Favorite Pickleball PaddleAbout Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X