Anna Leigh Waters: Mental Toughness, Financial Wisdom, and the Future of Pickleball | E145

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:00:00 – Introduction and Anna Leigh’s Pickleball IQ and Early Journey06:45 – MLP Draft and Strategies Behind Player Selections13:15 – Professional Sports Contracts: The Evolution in Pickleball20:30 – Mental Toughness and Dealing with High-Pressure Matches28:00 – Growth of Professional Pickleball Teams and Investment Opportunities35:20 – Extreme Preparation: Anna Leigh’s Approach to Practice and Strategy42:10 – The Future of Pickleball: Olympic Dreams and Global Recognition47:35 – Closing Reflections: Passion, Positivity, and GoalsAbout 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