Leigh Waters: From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Stardom - A Mother’s Journey
Insights into Coaching, Family, and the Future of Pickleball
In this engaging episode of "Talk Pickle To Me," host Kaitlyn Kerr welcomes Leigh Waters, a former Division One tennis player, lawyer, and professional pickleball player turned coach, as part of the series on the 10 Most Influential Women in Pickleball. Aired on March 12, 2025, and spanning 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 34 seconds, the episode delves into Leigh’s multifaceted life. From her athletic roots to her pivotal role in her daughter Anna Leigh Waters’ rise as the world’s top pickleball player, Leigh shares her experiences with candor and depth. The conversation explores themes of family support, athlete development, the mental game, and the business of pickleball, offering listeners a rich portrait of a woman who has shaped the sport both on and off the court.
Time Code List:
- 0:00 Intro
Kaitlyn Kerr opens the podcast with enthusiasm, introducing herself as a pickleball enthusiast who started the show to foster meaningful conversations within the sport. She highlights this as the 10th episode in the series on influential women in pickleball and introduces Leigh Waters. Leigh’s impressive resume includes her time as a Division One tennis player at the University of South Carolina, her career as a lawyer, and her success as a professional pickleball player alongside her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters. Kaitlyn notes Leigh’s 2022 ACL injury, which shifted her focus to coaching Anna Leigh, pro player Christian Alshon, and the Major League Pickleball team, the New Jersey Fives. Leigh expresses excitement about joining the show, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion. - 1:40 Growing Up and Family Life
Leigh paints a vivid picture of her childhood in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, just outside Allentown. As an only child, she was close to her supportive parents, who encouraged her love of sports, inspired by her father’s own athletic prowess. She played soccer, softball, and tennis, enjoying both team dynamics and individual competition. In high school, she chose tennis over softball for college, valuing the control it offered over her outcomes. Earning a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina, she excelled in doubles with teammate Rachel Roacher, setting records that still stand. Burnout in college led her to pursue law school instead of a pro tennis career, a decision that shaped her future path. - 9:00 Seasons? Rest and Recovery
The discussion turns to the grueling pickleball schedule, with Leigh and Kaitlyn addressing the lack of an offseason. Leigh explains how Anna Leigh’s trainers struggle with the constant need to “gear up” without sufficient recovery time, impacting training and performance. They note the challenge of balancing 16+ PPA tournaments and 6-9 MLP events annually, leaving little room for rest. Leigh advocates for scheduling changes to prioritize athlete health, drawing parallels to other sports where downtime is essential. - 11:00 Paddle = Key to Success
Leigh and Kaitlyn explore the critical role of paddle choice in pickleball success. Referencing Federico’s risky switch to a less effective paddle, Leigh stresses that the paddle is a player’s “key to success.” She shares how Anna Leigh’s agent advised prioritizing paddle performance over lucrative deals, ensuring she maintains her competitive edge. The conversation underscores the balance between innovation and reliability in equipment decisions. - 12:30 Parental Influence
Kaitlyn praises Leigh and her husband Stephen for their sacrifices in supporting Anna Leigh’s career, mirroring Leigh’s own upbringing. Leigh reveals Stephen’s parallel journey as a top junior golfer, supported by his parents, and their meeting through South Carolina athletics. Their shared understanding of athletic demands has unified their approach to parenting Anna Leigh, emphasizing support without pressure. - 14:50 The Business Side of Pickleball
Leigh details how Stephen’s business background complements her legal and coaching skills in managing Anna Leigh’s career. They alleviate logistical stresses—like travel and tournament prep—allowing Anna Leigh to focus on playing. Leigh contrasts this support with the isolation many pros face, highlighting how their teamwork enhances Anna Leigh’s success. - 17:40 Nature vs Nurture
Leigh examines the blend of genetics and environment in Anna Leigh’s achievements. She credits “nature” for Anna Leigh’s athletic genes— inherited from Leigh’s multi-sport father and Stephen’s golfing prowess—and “nurture” for their supportive parenting. They provided diverse sports opportunities and top coaches, fostering Anna Leigh’s talents without forcing specialization. - 20:30 Developing an Athlete
Leigh advocates for a multi-sport approach to athlete development, drawing from Anna Leigh’s experience in soccer, tennis, and pickleball. She emphasizes building a broad athletic foundation before specializing, noting how Anna Leigh’s soccer IQ enhances her pickleball court vision. Kaitlyn agrees, sharing her own multi-sport background and its benefits. - 24:30 Balancing Protection and Freedom
Leigh reflects on the challenge of protecting Anna Leigh while granting her autonomy, especially as a young pro facing adult competitors. Initially overprotective, she’s learned to ease up as Anna Leigh, now 18, matures. The RV and family support shield her from tournament pressures, allowing her to maintain focus and mental clarity. - 28:40 Humble Yet Hungry
Leigh explains how she and Stephen instilled humility in Anna Leigh, teaching her to respect others regardless of success. Anna Leigh’s hunger stems from an innate drive to improve, evident in her refusal to concede points even in practice. Leigh marvels at this competitiveness, which she believes is largely self-fueled. - 34:00 ALW’s Training Regimen
Leigh outlines Anna Leigh’s training, which balances gym work (2-4 hours daily) with on-court sessions (up to 2 hours, 4-6 days weekly). Adjusted after a knee injury, the focus has shifted from movement to shot-making and strategy. Variety and fun prevent burnout, with Leigh tailoring drills to Anna Leigh’s needs, emphasizing technique learned from her tennis roots. - 39:15 ALW’s Team
Leigh describes Anna Leigh’s support team: two trainers (one for mechanics, one for therapy), a mental coach, Leigh as coach, Stephen for logistics, and Eric, the RV driver who reduces physical strain. This collective effort ensures Anna Leigh’s holistic well-being amidst a demanding schedule. - 42:00 Mental Strength
Leigh highlights the mental coach’s role in equipping Anna Leigh with quick, effective techniques to manage stress and reset during matches. She credits this mental resilience—demonstrated in a comeback from a 9-4 deficit—for Anna Leigh’s success, asserting that mental fortitude often trumps physical skill in pickleball. - 49:15 Transition to Coaching
Leigh recounts her shift to coaching after a 2022 ACL injury ended her planned final playing year. Already coaching Anna Leigh in singles and mixed doubles, she embraced the role fully, finding new challenges and joy in guiding players despite initial disappointment over retiring. - 52:45 Meeting Christian Alshon
Leigh shares how she began coaching Christian Alshon post-injury, recognizing his potential. Their connection, through pickleball circles, marked the start of a mentorship focused on elevating his game. - 58:20 Christian’s Potential
Leigh praises Christian’s athleticism, length, and work ethic, predicting a bright future if he refines his skills. She sees him as a rising star capable of challenging top players with continued development. - 1:03:30 Coaching Christian
Leigh details coaching Christian, focusing on shot development (e.g., two-handed backhand) and adaptability (playing both sides). She adjusts her approach to his quieter demeanor, offering strategic insights to enhance his singles and doubles play. - 1:06:30 The Importance of Chemistry
Leigh emphasizes chemistry’s role in doubles success, citing Anna Leigh and Ben Johns’ unbeatable partnership. She notes that on- and off-court rapport often outweighs individual skill, a key factor in MLP team victories. - 1:08:15 What can ALW and Christian work on?
For Christian, Leigh targets his two-handed backhand and left-side play to boost versatility. For Anna Leigh, she focuses on serve tweaks, power in singles, and agility post-injury, encouraging her to keep innovating shots to stay dominant. - 1:17:20 Future of Coaching in Pickleball
Leigh envisions a growing coaching presence as pickleball professionalizes, akin to tennis. New rules allowing between-point coaching and MLP team coaches signal this shift, though she notes the emotional and financial barriers to widespread adoption. - 1:22:30 How The Waters Think About Choosing Partnerships
Leigh explains selecting sponsors like Fila and PaddleTek based on Anna Leigh’s belief in their products and mutual long-term commitment. Authenticity and family-like relationships guide their choices, ensuring alignment with her values. - 1:24:20 Investment Opportunities in Pickleball
Leigh discusses a cautious approach to investing in pickleball, favoring companies that support Anna Leigh (e.g., facilities) over speculative ventures. Balancing sport growth with financial prudence, they diversify into stocks and Anna Leigh’s personal brand. - 1:31:00 The Importance of Playing with Passion
Leigh attributes Anna Leigh’s success to her early passion for pickleball, played for fun before money entered the sport. This love, rooted in family vacations, contrasts with newer pros driven by contracts, giving her a unique edge. - 1:34:50 ALW’s Goal Next 5 Years?
Leigh shares Anna Leigh’s aim to stay atop pickleball, though she counsels that winning 51% suffices. Acknowledging last year’s unsustainable dominance, Leigh encourages resilience amid inevitable losses as the sport grows tougher. - 1:38:00 Is Singles Worth It?
Leigh questions singles’ viability for Anna Leigh due to its physical toll and scheduling conflicts (e.g., four matches daily). With rivals skipping singles and no extra rewards, she debates its worth despite Anna Leigh’s Triple Crown drive. - 1:43:00 Favorite Drills for Amateurs
Leigh recommends consistency drills (e.g., 100 dinks under pressure), weapon development (tailored to individual strengths), and hand-speed exercises (e.g., wall drills) for amateurs. These build skills critical to modern, fast-paced pickleball. (Read Article) - 1:48:15 Gucci!, Fashion, and Design
Leigh reveals her passion for fashion and design, sparked in college and fueled by a past clothing line venture. Her iconic Gucci style, embraced post-playing, offers a creative outlet and fan connection, blending sporty flair with luxury.
Summary:
This episode of "Talk Pickle To Me" provides a comprehensive exploration of Leigh Waters’ journey, from her athletic beginnings to her influential role in pickleball. Growing up in Pennsylvania with supportive parents, Leigh excelled in tennis at South Carolina before burnout led her to law, setting the stage for her later pickleball career with daughter Anna Leigh. Her 2022 ACL injury pivoted her to coaching, where she now shapes Anna Leigh’s dominance and Christian Alshon’s potential. The podcast delves into family dynamics, with Leigh and Stephen’s sacrifices mirroring their own upbringings, creating a nurturing environment for Anna Leigh’s blend of natural talent and honed skill. Key discussions include the sport’s demanding schedule, the mental edge provided by coaching, and the strategic business decisions behind partnerships and investments. Leigh’s insights on training, chemistry in doubles, and the evolving role of coaches reflect her forward-thinking approach, while her passion for fashion adds a personal flair. As pickleball grows, Leigh’s story underscores the power of passion, resilience, and support in achieving—and sustaining—excellence, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for players and enthusiasts alike.
Time Code Link List
- 0:00 Intro
- 1:40 Growing Up and Family Life
- 9:00 Seasons? Rest and Recovery
- 11:00 Paddle = Key to Success
- 12:30 Parental Influence
- 14:50 The Business Side of Pickleball
- 17:40 Nature vs Nurture
- 20:30 Developing an Athlete
- 24:30 Balancing Protection and Freedom
- 28:40 Humble Yet Hungry
- 34:00 ALW’s Training Regimen
- 39:15 ALW’s Team
- 42:00 Mental Strength
- 49:15 Transition to Coaching
- 52:45 Meeting Christian Alshon
- 58:20 Christian’s Potential
- 1:03:30 Coaching Christian
- 1:06:30 The Importance of Chemistry
- 1:08:15 What can ALW and Christian work on?
- 1:17:20 Future of Coaching in Pickleball
- 1:22:30 How The Waters Think About Choosing Partnerships
- 1:24:20 Investment Opportunities in Pickleball
- 1:31:00 The Importance of Playing with Passion
- 1:34:50 ALW’s goal next 5 years?
- 1:38:00 Is Singles Worth It?
- 1:43:00 Favorite Drills for Amateurs
- 1:48:15 Gucci!, Fashion, and Design
Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove
Verse 1:
Yo, Leigh Waters, she’s the name you know,
From tennis courts to pickleball glow.
Division One, she played the game,
South Carolina, earned her fame.
But burnout hit, she switched the lane,
Lawyer life, but sports still reigned.
Then pickleball came callin’ strong,
With Anna Leigh, they’d play along.
ACL tear, yeah, that was tough,
But Leigh bounced back, she’s built real tough.
From player to coach, she made the shift,
Now she’s guidin’ pros, givin’ ‘em a lift.
Chorus:
Leigh Waters, she’s the courtside queen,
Pickleball’s heart, she’s livin’ the dream.
Passion on fire, she’s breakin’ the scene,
With love for the game and a style so clean.
Yeah, Leigh Waters, she’s the one to see,
From the courts to the fam, she’s the MVP.
Verse 2:
Family first, that’s the Waters way,
Stephen by her side, every single day.
Anna Leigh’s rise, she’s the world’s top star,
But it’s mom and dad who got her this far.
Soccer, tennis, pickleball too,
They let her choose, let her dreams come true.
Nature, nurture, it’s a perfect blend,
With love and support, there’s no need to pretend.
Bridge:
Now she’s coachin’ Christian, yeah, he’s on the rise,
With Leigh in his corner, he’s reachin’ the skies.
Strategy, heart, she’s got the plan,
Turnin’ pros to legends, that’s the master’s hand.
Verse 3:
But wait, there’s more, she’s got that flair,
Gucci style, she’s rockin’ it everywhere.
Fashion and design, it’s her creative side,
From courts to the runway, she’s takin’ it in stride.
Outro:
So here’s the lesson, from Leigh’s own groove,
Find your passion, make your move.
Whether it’s sports or somethin’ new,
Live it like Leigh, and you’ll break through.
Yeah, talk pickle to me, baby!
(Humming fades out)
Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm, yeah, yeah…
Analytical Article: How the Song Was Constructed from the Article
The song "Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove" was crafted by drawing on key details from the podcast transcript about Leigh Waters’ life, translating her story into a 300+ word, 90's rap-style song with an upbeat, jazzy vibe. Below, I explain how specific elements from the article were selected and woven into the song’s structure and lyrics.
Title and Tone
The title, "Courtside Queen: Leigh Waters' Groove," reflects Leigh’s shift from player to coach ("courtside") and her dominant presence in pickleball ("queen"). "Groove" hints at the song’s jazzy, rhythmic feel, aligning with her energetic personality. The 90's rap style—marked by rhymes, storytelling, and a fast pace—was chosen to make it catchy and celebratory, mirroring Leigh’s vibrant life.
Song Structure
The song follows a classic rap structure: an intro with humming, three verses, a chorus, a bridge, and an outro. This mirrors the podcast’s flow, starting with Leigh’s athletic background, moving through her family and coaching roles, and ending with her personal passions.
- Intro (Humming): The humming sets a mellow, jazzy tone before the rap kicks in, fulfilling the query’s request and creating a smooth entry into Leigh’s story.
- Verse 1: Athletic Journey
This verse covers Leigh’s tennis days at South Carolina, her burnout, brief stint as a lawyer, and transition to pickleball after an ACL injury (e.g., transcript time codes 1:40, 49:15). Lines like "From tennis courts to pickleball glow" and "ACL tear, yeah, that was tough" use rhymes and a narrative flow to highlight her resilience. - Chorus: Celebrating Influence
The chorus is a rhythmic tribute to Leigh’s passion and impact on pickleball, with phrases like "courtside queen" and "livin’ the dream" reflecting her dedication (e.g., 1:31:00). Its repetitive, upbeat nature makes it memorable, a nod to 90's rap hooks. - Verse 2: Family Dynamics
Focusing on family, this verse highlights Stephen’s support and Anna Leigh’s rise as a top player (e.g., 12:30, 17:40). "They let her choose, let her dreams come true" captures their parenting philosophy, with rhymes like "way" and "day" keeping the pace lively. - Bridge: Coaching Impact
The bridge spotlights Leigh’s coaching of Christian Alshon (e.g., 52:45), emphasizing her strategic influence. "Turnin’ pros to legends" showcases her legacy, with a slightly slower tempo for emphasis, a common rap technique. - Verse 3: Fashion and Design
This verse highlights Leigh’s love for fashion and design (e.g., 1:48:15), with "Gucci style" adding flair. It ties her creativity to her athletic life, using playful rhymes like "flair" and "everywhere." - Outro: Call to Action
The outro inspires listeners to follow their passions, echoing Leigh’s example. The line "talk pickle to me, baby" playfully references the podcast title, wrapping up with humming to bookend the song.
Rap Elements and Vibe
The song uses 90's rap staples—internal rhymes (e.g., "game," "fame"), a fast-paced rhythm, and storytelling—to keep it upbeat. The jazzy vibe comes from the humming and the energetic delivery, reflecting Leigh’s dynamic spirit. Specific details, like her ACL injury and family support, were chosen to show her depth, while her fashion passion added a fun, personal layer.
In conclusion, the song weaves Leigh Waters’ athletic journey, family life, coaching success, and creative flair into a cohesive, 90's rap narrative, using the podcast interview as a rich foundation for its lyrics and structure.
