Changing Lanes on the Court: Catherine Parenteau Discusses a New Pickleball Era
In a candid Q&A with Hannah Johns, the women’s doubles star reflects on her split with Anna Leigh Waters, her enduring legacy, and plans for the future.
Introduction:
In an exclusive conversation on the Hannah Johns Podcast, professional pickleball luminary Catherine Parenteau opens up about one of the sport’s most startling developments: her split with longtime partner Anna Leigh Waters. With a record of 31 titles together and an almost unbreakable winning streak, the decision has sent ripples through the pickleball community. Parenteau, known for her poised yet passionate demeanor on and off the court, discusses the split, the bittersweet farewell to a historic partnership, and her prospects for new alliances as she gears up for the rest of 2025.
00:00 Intro
Hannah Johns:
"Hi everyone, welcome to the Hannah Johns Podcast, where we bring people closer to the sport that they love. I'm Hannah Johns, and today I'm thrilled to have professional pickleball star Catherine Parenteau with us. Catherine, welcome!"
Catherine Parenteau:
"Hi everyone, thank you for having me."
00:59 How did the decision to split from ALW go down?
Hannah Johns:
"Just a day after your finalist appearance at the Veolia North Carolina Open, the news broke: you and Anna Leigh Waters would no longer be partnering. How did that decision go down?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"Yesterday on Monday, I got a call from Anna Leigh. It was a very kind, short, and sweet conversation where she explained that she was ready to try something different. I respected her decision, and while it was surprising, the call was handled with a lot of grace."
01:26 Why did a split happen now and how long had it been discussed?
Hannah Johns:
"Was the split something that had been on the horizon for a while, or did it come as a shock?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"It was a bit shocking since I wasn’t aware it was coming, but in hindsight, there were subtle signs. Anna and I go way back—my connection with her goes even further, considering I played with her mom. Even though the split feels sudden, our history and the evolving dynamics of our careers made it almost inevitable."
02:25 How bittersweet is it to say goodbye to that partnership?
Hannah Johns:
"How bittersweet is it to now say goodbye to that storied partnership, especially after such an incredible run?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"Parting ways is never easy. I felt a tinge of sadness on that call because it meant closing a chapter filled with amazing memories. Anna and I shared over 160 wins together with only six losses. The bond we’ve forged goes beyond the court—we’re friends for life, and I’m forever grateful for everything we accomplished together."
03:23 Who will you be playing women’s doubles with for the rest of 2025?
Hannah Johns:
"Looking ahead, who will you be partnering with in women’s doubles for the remainder of 2025?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"That’s a great question. Right now, the field is incredibly deep with talent. I’m still finalizing my schedule and exploring different partnerships. I’m excited to experiment and see what fits best as the year progresses."
03:56 Will you play with one set women’s partner or mix and match?
Hannah Johns:
"Do you plan on sticking with one partner, or are you going to mix and match throughout the year?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"I’m open to both approaches. It might be challenging to lock in one specific partner given everyone’s commitments, but I’m eager to see what mix-and-match options might bring. I believe experimenting could bring fresh energy to my game."
04:22 What will it be like to play against ALW in women’s doubles?
Hannah Johns:
"Finally, what will it be like to face your former partner, Anna Leigh, in women’s doubles?"
Catherine Parenteau:
"It will certainly be a unique challenge. Having played against each other in mixed formats and singles, it will bring a different dynamic. While there might be mixed feelings initially, I’m confident that both Anna Leigh and I will bring our best to the court. In the end, it’s all about the competition and the love for the game."
Article Summary:
In this in-depth Q&A, Catherine Parenteau reflects on the end of her historic partnership with Anna Leigh Waters—a duo that dominated the women's doubles circuit with an unmatched record. Parenteau recalls the respectful phone call from Anna Leigh, her initial surprise, and the bittersweet emotions tied to their separation. As she looks ahead to 2025, Parenteau hints at exploring multiple partnership options while anticipating the challenge of competing against her former teammate. The conversation reveals not only the evolution of one of pickleball’s most celebrated teams but also the resilient spirit of an athlete ready to embrace new opportunities on the court.
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:59 How did the decision to split from ALW go down?
- 01:26 Why did a split happen now and how long had it been discussed?
- 02:25 How bittersweet is it to say goodbye to that partnership?
- 03:23 Who will you be playing women’s doubles with for the rest of 2025?
- 03:56 Will you play with one set women’s partner or mix and match?
- 04:22 What will it be like to play against ALW in women’s doubles?
Verse 1: Folk vibes, finger-picked acoustic style
Well the court was lit, the crowd was loud,
Catherine and Anna Lee made us proud.
From gold to glory, win after win,
Two queens of the kitchen, locked in a spin.
But change, it comes like a drop serve quick,
And Monday brought the curveball kick.
Got the call, just a moment in time,
"Ready for new," she said, so kind.
Short and sweet, no beef to find,
Just two strong hearts in a shift of mind.
And Catherine smiled with a steady tone,
In a world of nets, she stood alone.
Chorus: 90s Rap Beat
🎤 Yo, it’s Parenteau on the mic, stayin’ strong,
ALW’s gone but the legacy’s long.
31 titles, six L’s, that’s fact,
Now CP’s out here pickin' her track.
New doors open when old ones close,
She’s got love for Mamma Waters and it still shows.
Mix, match, she’s ready to roll,
Still got the fire, still got the soul. 🔥
Verse 2: Folk-Rap fusion
Played with the mom, now with the star,
Family vibes near and far.
Sad at first but proud to say,
“We crushed it, y’all, every single day.”
Future’s bright, let’s talk 2025,
Catherine’s game? It’s still alive.
Jorja, Parris, Tina — nobody lose.
Might lock in one, or mix it on up,
CP’s got range like a gold-winning cup.
Against ALW? Yeah, that’s comin’,
But she’s faced her before, and kept on drummin’.
Bridge: Acoustic harmony + beat drop
It’s a game of heart, not just a score,
And CP’s walkin’ through a brand-new door.
Change ain’t easy but it builds the bold,
In every split, a story’s told.
From court to court, with paddle in hand,
She’s standin’ tall, she’s takin’ a stand.
Final Chorus: Group harmony + rap outro
🎤 Catherine Parenteau, write her name,
A class act player in the hall of fame.
From Water(s) to winds that shift with time,
She’s spittin' truth with rhythm and rhyme.
ALW? Still love, still cheer,
Two champs movin’ on, crystal clear.
The legacy’s strong, the bond’s still tight,
Now it’s Catherine’s time to shine her light. 🌟
🎶 Outro: Fingerpicked guitar fade with vinyl crackle 🎶
"Every match ends, but the music plays on…"
Crafting Harmony in Transition: The Story Behind “Paddle Paths and New Tracks"
An In-Depth Look at the Folk-Hop Blend that Captures Catherine Parenteau’s Poise and Positivity Amid Change
Introduction:
In the wake of one of pickleball’s most surprising splits, a creative tribute emerged—“Paddle Paths and New Tracks.” This upbeat folk-hop anthem draws its inspiration from an in-depth interview with Catherine Parenteau on the Hannah Johns Podcast. The song’s energetic blend of 90’s rap rhythms and folk storytelling was carefully crafted to mirror Catherine’s measured grace and optimism as she embarks on a new phase of her career.
The Genesis of the Song
The creative process began with the raw material provided by Catherine’s candid discussion about her split from longtime partner Anna Leigh Waters. The interview, conducted by Hannah Johns, offered a rare glimpse into the emotional and professional complexities of parting ways with a legendary teammate. With details ranging from the respectful, short phone call with Anna Leigh to reflections on the historic partnership and anticipation for future challenges, every word was a source of inspiration.
Blending Genres to Mirror Emotion
The decision to fuse folk elements with 90’s rap was both intentional and symbolic. Folk music, with its acoustic warmth and narrative-driven style, provided a natural vehicle for Catherine’s heartfelt memories and the bittersweet nature of the split. The gentle strumming of the guitar and melodic verses echo the reflective moments of nostalgia. In contrast, the 90’s rap segments introduce a dynamic, rhythmic energy that symbolizes resilience and forward momentum. This fusion not only pays homage to Catherine’s storied past on the court but also celebrates the vibrant energy of the future she envisions.
Lyrical Construction and Thematic Depth
Every line of “Paddle Paths and New Tracks” was designed to resonate on multiple levels. The opening verses set a reflective tone, acknowledging the monumental achievements of the former partnership with lyrical nods to 31 gold medals and a near-perfect record. The chorus, powered by punchy rap beats, emphasizes new beginnings and the unyielding spirit required to navigate change. Notably, the lyrics maintain an undercurrent of respect for the past, celebrating the legacy of the partnership while eagerly embracing the prospect of new alliances and opportunities.
Mirroring Catherine’s Poise and Positivity
Catherine’s interview was marked by poise, sincerity, and an unwavering optimism despite the emotional weight of the split. The song captures this spirit by balancing introspection with celebration. As Catherine spoke about the evolution of her career and the excitement of exploring new partnerships, the song’s shifting tempos and rhythmic transitions mirrored her inner journey from reflective farewell to spirited anticipation. The creative team ensured that even as the narrative touched on separation, the overall message remained uplifting—one of gratitude, growth, and the promise of future victories.
Conclusion:
“Paddle Paths and New Tracks” stands as a musical testament to the enduring power of sportsmanship and transformation. It encapsulates the bittersweet reality of change while underscoring the hope and determination that propel athletes like Catherine Parenteau forward. Through its innovative blend of folk and 90’s rap, the song not only honors a legendary partnership but also lights the way for a vibrant new chapter on the pickleball court.
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