Anna Leigh Waters is the universally agreed upon G.O.A.T in professional women’s pickleball.

Thanks to her incredible athleticism, high pickleball IQ, and revolutionary coaching from her mom Leigh Waters, the 17-year-old superstar is truly at the top of her game.

One would assume that whenever ALW competes, she's confident that she’ll win no matter the opponent or discipline, but that isn't the case.

Despite her 31 career Triple Crowns on the PPA Tour, Waters isn't in the business of taking anything for granted.

“Any time I play an opponent, even if it’s the first round, I’m nervous,” she admitted. “I never think ‘Oh I’ve got this.’”  

It's rather surprising, of course, because Waters has clearly solidified herself as pickleball’s toughest opponent.

So why does she have this mentality?

“When athletes start to get complacent and think they’re really good at something is when they get passed or when they stop having the motivation to get better,” she explained. 

Waters has maintained the coveted No. 1 ranking in singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles for quite a while, but generally doesn't revel in her accomplishments.

“Honestly, I never thought about how I was No. 1 in the world. I always expected that of myself, so it’s cool that it happened, but I always thought I was going to be No. 1,” she said. “It's a lot of self-belief, but I also have that drive to become No. 1. To me, it’s the perfect combination to why I’ve been able to sustain it for so long.”

It doesn't hurt to have a solid support system along the way, too.

“Also, my parents have done a really good job of keeping me humble,” added Waters.

Her family always travels to tournaments, which helps her regroup after matches and keeps her humble.

“Tournaments are a lot, but traveling with my parents has been so helpful. Being able to play my matches, then getting to reset, talk with my family after, and mentally disconnect from pickleball is so good,” she shared. “We’ll go to dinner or we’ll go sightseeing around the city. It’s just good to be reminded that pickleball isn’t the only important thing in my life.”

Waters, however, still has her head in the game because the competition is fierce.

There are a lot of up-and-coming pros that dream of defeating her.

“I should really enjoy every moment that I’m No. 1 in all three divisions because I don’t know how long it’s going to last. Pickleball is getting tougher, and there are a lot better players who are getting into the sport,” said Waters. “I’m personally excited for when it’s not just college tennis players who are coming into the sport. I’m excited for when the kids who have played their whole life come into the sport. The kid who started playing at seven years old and then they go pro at 20. That’s when we’re going to see some insane pickleball. Hopefully I’ll get to play against some of those people because I am younger.”

With her 18th birthday on Sunday, Waters still has nothing but time on her side to continue to develop and elevate her gameplay.

And it’s clear that she intends to keep her World No. 1 status for as long as possible. 

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