After 31 Gold Medals and Only Six Losses, the Most Successful Team in Women’s Doubles Splits; Anna Leigh Waters to Partner with Anna Bright
In a stunning development that reverberated across the pickleball world, Katherine Parenteau announced via Instagram that her partnership with Anna Leigh Waters—the most dominant women’s doubles team in the sport's professional era—has come to an end. With a staggering 163 wins and just six losses together, their separation marks the close of an iconic chapter in PPA Tour history and opens the door to a compelling new alliance: Waters will team up with rising star Anna Bright at the Atlanta Open next month.
In a sport built on rhythm and chemistry, few partnerships have ever clicked with the force and fluidity of Anna Leigh Waters and Katherine Parenteau. Over the last two seasons, the pair redefined women’s doubles dominance in professional pickleball, amassing 31 gold medals while surrendering only six matches. And now, their reign has come to a sudden and surprising close.
“Anna Leigh, I can’t express how grateful I am for the time we spent together on the court,” Parenteau wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post late Sunday night. “From the laughter to the hard-fought matches, every moment has been unforgettable. You’ve pushed me to grow as a player and I’m so thankful for our partnership.”
Parenteau’s caption signaled more than just a farewell—it marked the end of an era.
The Waters-Parenteau duo was a force of nature. Their style—Waters’ power and fearlessness combined with Parenteau’s control and experience—transcended competition. Their success became so routine, it was easy to forget how historic it was. In a sport where new partnerships form frequently and synergy can be fleeting, their longevity and consistent excellence were remarkable.
And yet, as with all dynasties, change looms.
Just hours after Parenteau’s announcement, confirmation arrived that Waters will reunite with Anna Bright, her former part-time partner, for the upcoming Atlanta tournament. The move immediately reignited memories of 2023, when Waters split her doubles time between Bright and Parenteau before ultimately choosing the latter as her full-time partner.
Now the script flips. Bright—whose aggressive left-side play and electric energy have made her a fan favorite—steps back into the spotlight alongside the sport’s top-ranked female player.
What led to the split? Neither party has offered a detailed explanation. Some insiders suggest that strategic differences and the grueling year-round tour schedule may have played a role. Others point to the natural evolution of the sport—where change, even among elite players, is inevitable.
For Waters, just 18 and already a legend in her own right, the decision may reflect a desire for new challenges and new chemistry. For Parenteau, a gracious and proven competitor, the road forward remains unclear—but she will undoubtedly remain a major figure in the sport.
Meanwhile, fans are left to wonder: Can Waters and Bright recapture lightning in a bottle? Can any other duo rise to the challenge of this new alliance? And will we ever see a women’s team match the sheer brilliance of what Waters and Parenteau achieved?
Time will tell. But one thing is certain: professional pickleball just got a lot more interesting.
Summary:
In a major shakeup on the PPA Tour, Katherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters have ended their historic partnership after winning 31 gold medals and losing only six matches together. Parenteau made the announcement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for their time on the court. Waters will now team up with Anna Bright, rekindling a previous partnership that dates back to 2023. The split marks the end of one of the most dominant runs in professional pickleball history and sets the stage for a new era of rivalries and alliances.
Double Shine: Anna’s Anthem x2
Yo, gather ‘round, it’s a tale of fame,Where legends split, but the game remains the same.
In the world of pickleball, the stage is set—
Waters and Parenteau, we’ll never forget!
Verse 1
Back in the day when the paddle would swing,
Anna Lee and Katherine reigned like a queen and a king.
Thirty-one gold medals, they stacked 'em with pride,
Only six losses, unstoppable on the ride.
They lit up the court with their moves so divine,
Their chemistry was magic, their victories shined.
From dawn until dusk, they danced through the fight,
Dominating the game, making wrongs into right.
Chorus
A dominant duo, now they’re saying goodbye,
But the spark in the game will never ever die.
New chapters unfold in this pickleball tale,
Waters with Bright—get ready to set sail!
Verse 2
Katherine dropped the news on her ‘Insta with style,
Expressing love and gratitude, memories compiled.
“Anna Lee, our time was gold, every match was a blast,”
But sometimes even legends must face a new cast.
The era has ended, the pages now turn,
A bittersweet split, yet there’s more to learn.
Waters, the phenom, keeps her game on fire,
Teaming up with Anna Bright, aiming ever higher.
Bridge: Folk Rap Flow From the soulful strings of a pickleball rap beat,
To the twang of the folk song on a summer street,
Change is a rhythm, a remix so true,
New vibes, new partnerships, fresh avenues.
The court’s still a stage, the rally’s still tight,
Every serve and every smash shines in the light.
Though one chapter closes, the legend’s reborn,
In every victory’s echo, a new day is born.
Verse 3
Now watch out Atlanta, the spotlight is near,
Waters and Bright are the duo to cheer.
They’re bringing the fire, that Delray Beach soul,
With folk vibes and beats that make the game whole.
Every rally’s a rhyme, every match a new song,
In the world of pro pickleball, they’re forever strong.
From the heartbreak of parting to the thrill of the new,
This split is a spark for a breakthrough.
Chorus
A dominant duo, now they’re saying goodbye,
But the spark in the game will never ever die.
New chapters unfold in this pickleball tale,
Waters with Bright—get ready to set sail!
Outro
So here’s to the legends, the past and the bright,
May every match be music, every win take flight.
Change is the rhythm that makes our hearts sing,
In the pickleball saga, let the new era begin!
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