Early Career Decisions Pay Off for Anna Lee Waters
Lee Waters reflects on his decision to allow his daughter, Anna Lee, to turn professional in pickleball before her teenage years, finding no regrets in the experience. He attributes their family’s sporting journey to these early choices, which have led to remarkable opportunities for his daughter.
From Idolization to Competition
Anna Lee recalls her early admiration for tennis legends, noting, “When I was growing up playing junior tennis, I had a cardboard cutout of Andre in my basement.” Having idolized players like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, she now finds herself competing with them, a prospect she finds both surreal and motivating.
Olympic Ambitions Drive Anna Lee Waters
Despite the allure of mingling with sports icons, Anna Lee has her sights set on a bigger prize: competing in the Olympics. “I’ve always looked forward to perhaps representing the United States one day,” she shares. Initially torn between tennis and soccer, she views participation in the Olympics, particularly in a growing sport like pickleball, as the ultimate achievement.
The Future of Pickleball in Competitive Sports
As of now, pickleball is not included in the lineup for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Instead, newer sports such as flag football, squash, baseball, softball, cricket, and lacrosse will be featured. Nonetheless, the mainstream popularity of pickleball suggests that its inclusion in future Olympic events may not be far off.
Remarkable Growth in Pickleball Popularity
The surge in pickleball’s popularity is evident, with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reporting that it has been the fastest-growing sport for five consecutive years. Projections indicate that over 25 million people will participate in pickleball by 2025, marking an astounding 479% increase since 2020.
Pickleball’s Evolution into a Professional Sport
This increased interest has significantly contributed to the Pro Tour’s success. “Revenue is up, participation is climbing, and media exposure is expanding,” comments Pardo. The sport is gaining traction on national platforms, having recently aired on Fox and CBS, a testament to its professional transformation.
Star Power Elevates the Game
Padeau highlights the pivotal role of star athletes like Anna Lee Waters in this transformation. “Having Anna Lee is a dream come true,” he explains, noting her impressive talent both on and off the court. The financial landscape has improved dramatically since the league’s inception in 2019, with payouts increasing from $1,000 for a gold medal to over $2.5 million this year.
A Focus on Future Goals
Homeschooled throughout high school, Anna Lee has no immediate plans to attend college, opting instead to focus on her burgeoning career. Her goals are clear: maintain her No. 1 ranking, foster the growth of pickleball, and build her brand outside the sport. With travel commitments spanning 30 to 40 weeks each year, the idea of establishing roots seems impractical for now. “Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived a full life, even though I’m only 19,” she reflects, embracing the journey and all it has to offer.
