In our 10 Most Influential Women in Pickleball series, our tenth guest is mother and coach, Leigh Waters! If you know anything about pickleball, you have probably heard of Leigh Waters and her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, who stands undeniably as the #1 professional pickleball player in the world. Growing up as an only child, Leigh learned from a young age the importance of parental influence on the success of an athlete. Supported, but never pressured by her parents, Leigh excelled as an athlete, competing at the University of South Carolina in tennis, and continuing her athletic career in professional pickleball, alongside her daughter. After suffering an ACL injury in 2022, Leigh put playing aside and took on the role as full time coach, where she now coaches Anna Leigh, Christian Alshon, and Major League Pickleball team The New Jersey 5’s. Leigh instilled the same theologies into Anna Leigh’s childhood as were given to her, focusing on keeping sports fun and forming the athlete before specializing in any one sport. Leigh attributes this as one of the key factors to Anna Leigh’s success. ALW is now a powerhouse of the sport both physically and mentally, with the perfect balance of humility and hunger.  I had the privilege of not only diving into all things ALW, but also understanding the dynamic between Leigh and male phenom, Christian Alshon.  Leigh reflects on the evolving role of coaching in the sport, the challenges of investment opportunities, and the importance of authenticity in sponsorships. She emphasizes the significance of playing for love rather than money and the challenges faced by players in maintaining their performance. Additionally, she shares insights on training techniques, drills, and her personal connection to fashion as a form of self-expression.

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