The ESPY Awards – aka the “Oscars of Sports” – just wrapped up, and guess who stole the spotlight? None other than Anna Leigh Waters, the world #1 pickleball phenom, who became the FIRST-EVER pickleball player to grace the ESPY red carpet! 👗✨
And it was her very first red carpet appearance – talk about a major moment! 🥹
On Instagram, Anna Leigh shared the behind-the-scenes vibes: “Time to get fancy! On the court, I’m always in a ponytail, glasses, and a hat – you can barely see my face. But tonight… I’m wearing Victoria Beckham. I saw this dress while shopping yesterday and fell in love. Last-minute decision… let’s go!” 💫
Known for her powerhouse plays and relentless drive, Anna Leigh is already considered one of the greatest to ever swing a paddle – and she’s only 18! 🎾🔥
Her stats? Absolutely unreal: ✅ 150+ PPA Tour titles ✅ A WHOPPING 35 Triple Crowns (most in pickleball history!) ✅ World #1 in Women’s Singles, Doubles, AND Mixed Doubles
Yep, she doesn’t just play the game… she dominates it. 🙌
Brands like FILA, Shiseido, Cetaphil, Paddletek, and Biofreeze have already teamed up with this superstar. And according to Kelly Wolf, her agent at Octagon, Anna Leigh is projected to earn over $3 million in 2024 – making her the highest-earning player in the sport, even ahead of men’s #1 Ben Johns! 💰✨
She’s not just winning matches – she’s changing the game.
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What are the odds? On October 11, 2025, the pickleball world was buzzing with love as not one, not two, but THREE top pros said “I do” on the very same day! Catherine Faye, Riley Joseph, and Veena Lohani—all close friends, often on similar schedules, and clearly in sync with life milestones—made it a legendary day for weddings. Coincidence? We think it’s destiny! 😉
Catherine Faye & Frank Anthony Davis
Catherine and Frank chose the breathtaking cliffs of Positano, Italy, for their big day. Surrounded by only their nearest and dearest, they exchanged vows in an intimate and oh-so-elegant ceremony. 🇮🇹💍
Riley Joseph & Anna Leigh Waters
Riley and Anna Leigh brought the romance to San Juan Capistrano, California. Their celebration took place at a gorgeous estate, packed with loved ones and overflowing with good vibes. 🌴✨
Veena Lohani & Rish Sehgal
Veena and Rish turned up the joy in Scottsdale, Arizona! Their wedding was a vibrant, culture-rich fiesta—think colorful décor, infectious music, and non-stop dancing. A true celebration of two beautiful souls! 🎶🌺
From Catherine’s chic Italian affair, to Riley’s timeless and heartfelt gathering, to Veena’s energetic and personal party—each wedding was as unique as the couple themselves. One thing’s for sure: love was definitely in the air—and so was the pickleball spirit! 🥒❤️
What a sweet, unforgettable Saturday for the pickleball fam!
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When news broke that Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau were ending their partnership, the pickleball world was shook! 😱 Fans couldn’t believe it—this iconic pair had dominated the courts with a jaw-dropping 159-6 record and a 96.36% win rate. Four years of pure magic, countless trophies… so why call it quits at the peak of their success? 🏆✨
A Record-Breaking Run Meets Reality 💔
159 wins. Only 6 losses. A near-perfect partnership—or so it seemed. But during a recent podcast appearance, Catherine Parenteau, usually all smiles and sass, opened up with surprising emotion. “Honestly, I’m still processing it,” she shared, her tone more serious than ever. 😥
Just as the dust began to settle, another plot twist: Anna Leigh Waters teamed up with… Anna Bright. Yep, you read that right—a new partner with the same first name! 😅 Talk about a storyline straight out of a movie. 🎬
The Split – From On-Court Chemistry to Separate Paths 🧩
Before Catherine’s emotional podcast moment, no one saw it coming. But when she carefully admitted feeling “a bit shocked,” it was clear something had shifted. 24 hours later, the official announcement confirmed it: one of pickleball’s greatest teams was stepping apart.
And the timing? Just as Catherine was working through her feelings, Anna Leigh was already practicing with Anna Bright. The irony isn’t lost on fans—it’s like the universe decided to add a little drama. 🙃
Staying Classy – But It Still Hurts 😢
Catherine has kept things professional on social media, but those quiet moments speak volumes. Anna Leigh hasn’t posted much about the split, but her new partnership says it all. At just 19, Anna Bright brings fresh energy—and maybe a new chapter for Waters.
Meanwhile, pro Lea Jansen (who’s faced the duo before) shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Those 6 a.m. training sessions, late-night strategy talks, and championship hugs… that stays with you forever.” ❤️👏 She’s already training with other top players like Parris Todd, turning the page with style.
Love Wins – Their Support Systems Shine Through 💖
Behind every strong athlete is an even stronger support system. Catherine’s wife, Athena, has been her rock—even planning a sweet memory-filled trip to Hawaii to help her heal. 🏝️ And Lea Jansen’s fiancée, Bobbi, posted a morning run photo with the caption, “New beginnings, but love never retires.” 🏃♀️❤️
Through the tough moments, it’s clear: love off the court makes the battles on it easier to face.
Orlando Showdown – A Match Everyone’s Watching 👀
With the MLP Orlando event around the corner, all eyes are on the draws. What happens when Waters & Bright face off against Parenteau and her new partner? Will it be intense? Emotional? A little bit of both? 🤔
As Catherine said, “Time heals everything… but when we meet again, don’t ask who wants to win more.” 😉
Sports don’t always give us fairy-tale endings. But the early mornings, the hard-fought victories, and those iconic high-fives? Those moments are bigger than any final score.
As one fan beautifully put it: “They’re not standing together anymore—but they’ve written their names into each other’s stories forever.” ✍️🌟
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Christian Alshon’s iconic handle — @tweenerking — is officially a thing of the past. 💔
That’s right — Christian has dropped the “king” and returned to his roots, rebranding simply as @christian.alshon. When he made the announcement this Monday, it truly felt like the end of an era. 🏟️⏳
“There comes a time when you have to redefine yourself,” Alshon shared on Instagram. “I wanted to be known for flashy shots, but I also want to be taken seriously as a pro athlete — one who’s fighting for that world No. 1 spot. I’ve done a lot of soul-searching about who I am in the world of pickleball.
I was the Tweener King — that’s a title I earned, and no one can take it from me. You can’t blame a dog for barking, and you can’t blame me for hitting tweeners — it’s just who I am!” 🎾
The @tweenerking username had been his identity since July 2023… all the way ’til October 2025. Though the tweener shot brought Alshon viral fame and legions of fans 🫶, lately he’s been using it less and less.
Why? Because Alshon wants to be recognized not just for one trick, but as a complete and serious competitor. His skill set runs deeper than one signature move — especially now that he’s inching closer to his ultimate goal: the men’s singles world No. 1 ranking. 🚀🏆
It’s time for his full arsenal to shine. ✨
So… does this mean we’ll never see another tweener from Alshon again? 👀 Will a new player step up as the next “Tweener King”? What will the next generation of tweeners even look like? And could we see him challenge “The Erne King” Taylor Long to become… a different kind of royalty? 👑➡️🦁
Sure, having a signature shot can help build your brand — but think about the players who’ve truly dominated the sport. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters didn’t get to the top by relying on just one move. They came armed with a full toolbox of winning shots 🧰⚡ — and pretty much every shot they make is signature-worthy. That’s what it takes to reign supreme.
All that said… let’s keep it real: Changing his handle was a smart move. For pickleball fans trying to follow him on socials, “Christian Alshon” is just way easier to find. 🔍✅
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Meet Anna Leigh Waters – the powerhouse dominating the world of pickleball like no other! 🌟 With her killer skills and savvy business moves, she’s not just playing the game; she’s changing it. Here’s the lowdown on how she’s ruling the court and building an empire:
👑 Court Dominance – She’s Everywhere!
1. Tournament Triumphs 🥇 Anna Leigh isn’t just winning—she’s owning it! She’s pulled off the epic “triple crown” (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) more times than we can count. Take the 2025 Virginia Beach Cup: she swept ALL THREE titles without losing a single match—35 straight wins! 🚀 Scorelines like 11-5 in singles, 11-2 in doubles, and 11-4 in mixed tell you everything: when she’s on the court, she’s in control.
2. Next-Level Skills & Strategy 💡 Forget waiting around—Anna Leigh brings the heat from the first serve! 🔥 She blends aggressive attacking play with lightning-fast footwork (thanks to her soccer background) and precision shots that leave opponents stunned. Her famous forehand accelerator is a game-changer—adding crazy spin and speed that’s turning pickleball into a thrilling “race of power.” No one’s ready for what she brings!
3. Mentality of a Champion 🧠💪 Carrying the World No. 1 title isn’t easy, but Anna Leigh thrives under pressure. She uses it as fuel—saying rivals who play “with nothing to lose” only push her to level up. She loves a tough match and grows stronger with every challenge. Bring it on! 😤
💼 Beyond the Court: Building a Brand
1. Sponsorships & Star Power ✨ In 2024, Anna Leigh hit a massive $3 million in earnings, partnering with top sports brands and tournament sponsors. From gear promotions to surprise luxury car gifts 🚗💨, her influence is turning heads on and off the court.
2. Media & Mainstream Attention 📸 You’ve seen her on ESPN, and yep—that was Anna Leigh lighting up Times Square too! 🗽 She’s become the face of pickleball, sharing the excitement of the game and its awesome community vibe with the world.
3. A Vision for the Future 🌍 Anna Leigh is all in on making pickleball an Olympic sport 🥎➡️🥇! She believes the Olympics will bring global respect and growth to the game. Plus, she’s passionate about youth development and turning pickleball from a fun pastime into a professional pathway. She’s not just playing—she’s shaping the sport’s future.
From breaking records to breaking boundaries, Anna Leigh Waters is the total package: a fierce competitor and a visionary leader. She’s making history with every swing and building a legacy that lifts pickleball to new heights. 👏🎾
Let’s go, Anna Leigh! 🙌
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Move over, Hollywood – pickleball has its own dream team! Meet Parris Todd, the stunning pro who’s serving looks and skills on and off the court. ✨
Once a tennis star and fashion entrepreneur, Parris now crushes it as a pro pickleball player and has officially joined the Franklin pickleball family – talk about a glow-up! 🎾➡️🏓
🏆 Her trophy cabinet is LOADED:
Over 43 medals across APP & PPA Tours
2 Major League Pickleball (MLP) championships in 2022
Triple crown winner at the 2023 U.S. Open
Silver medal in Women’s Singles at the 2024 CIBC PPA Finals 🥈
But wait – it gets cuter! 💕
Her boyfriend, Hunter Johnson, just won the MEN’S Singles gold at the same 2024 CIBC PPA Finals. Yep – she took silver, he took gold. Power couple alert! 🥇🥈
They train together, slay together, and honestly – they might just be the most goals-worthy duo in the game rn. 💪
Who says love and competition don’t mix? These two are proof that when you date your biggest supporter – you both win. 🏆❤️
(And let’s be real – most of those killer mixed doubles teams? Also couples. Coincidence? We think not. 😉)
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🎉 BIG NEWS, pickleball fam! Franklin Sports just scored a major win—welcoming pro athlete Parris Todd to the squad in December 2024! 🏆
Parris isn’t just a powerhouse on the pickleball court—she’s also a former tennis star and a super stylish entrepreneur. Talk about a triple threat! 👗🎾🔥 And now she’s officially part of the #FranklinFamily!
Her trophy case? STACKED. 🥇 With over 43 medals across the APP and PPA tours, two Major League Pickleball titles in 2022, a triple crown at the 2023 US Open, and most recently—a silver medal in women’s singles at the 2024 CIBC PPA Finals! 🙌
This partnership kicks off an exciting new chapter for Franklin as we level up our presence in pickleball and influencer marketing. 💥 As part of the collab, Parris will help design a signature paddle and performance gear, bringing her on-court expertise, killer style, and winning mindset to create next-level pickleball products.
“What drew our team to Parris was her undeniable passion, performance, and strength as a pro athlete,” said Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports. “We’re beyond excited to partner with her as she continues to shake up the game and climb the ranks!” 💪
At just 26, Parris has already made her mark in and beyond the pickleball scene. Since jumping into the sport in 2020, she’s climbed all the way to No. 8 in the PPA tour rankings—and she’s just getting started! 🚀
“I’m thrilled to announce my multi-year partnership with Franklin Sports,” said Todd. “With their epic reputation in pro sports, I’m pumped to join forces and help design innovative, high-performance gear. Together, we’re shaping the future of pickleball—making it more stylish and high-tech!” ✨
Franklin Sports first entered the pickleball scene in 2017 with the X-40 ball, which became the official ball of USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open. Since then, we’ve become a go-to brand for top-tier paddles, balls, nets, and more!
Parris now joins Franklin’s all-star athlete lineup, including the Johnson family (JW, Jorja, and Julie), Hayden Patriquin, Sam Querrey, Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, Will Howells, Spencer Lanier, Alexa Schull, Christine Trifunovic, and other top international pros. Even Maria Sharapova has played with a Franklin paddle during celeb matches! 🌟
Let’s cheer Parris on as she continues to shine on and off the court! 💫
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In July 2023, the Kansas City arena was buzzing with energy 🏟️. Live cameras for the PPA Tour captured a stunning moment: then-world No. 1 Ben Johns slammed his paddle to the ground in frustration 😤. At the other end of the court, a 17-year-old threw his head back and roared in triumph 🦁. Just like that, a new star was born ✨.
Rising Like a Firework: The Birth of “The Light”
Before turning 18, he had never stepped into the world of professional sports. By 19, he was already being called “Asia’s Pickleball Pioneer” and “Vietnam’s Newest Sports Hope.” The rise of Vietnamese-American teen Quang Duong isn’t just a story of raw talent — it’s an underdog tale filled with youthful fire 🔥.
Born in 2006, Quang first held a racket at age 3 🎾. By 12, he had reached the boys’ singles final of the Orange Bowl’s 16-and-under division. His ITF junior world ranking peaked at No. 83, making him that “kid next door” in Southern California’s tennis scene everyone admired.
But in 2022, a wrist fracture sidelined him during a crucial season, closing what he called the “golden window” for a college tennis scholarship 🚫🎓. “The doctor told me I might never return to high-level tennis,” Quang shared in an interview with VTV. “That day, I locked myself in my car and cried for 20 minutes. Then I went home and stuffed my tennis bag into storage.”
Everything changed in March 2023. One evening at Manhattan Beach, his dad pointed to a blue-green court and said, “Try pickleball — slower pace, longer rallies, but that smash is fierce and spin-heavy 💥.” After just 45 minutes of practice, Quang swept the court clean against all the local amateur champs 🧹.
Three months later, at the PPA Atlanta Open qualifiers, the “unranked” teen fought his way into the Top 32 of the main draw. And just three months after that — at the PPA Tour VIVI Kansas City Open — the 17-year-old wildcard delivered one of the biggest upsets in pickleball history 🎊: He defeated long-reigning World No. 1 Ben Johns 2-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-9), instantly turning from newcomer to legend.
Since then, he’s become a regular on the pro tours (PPA Tour & MLP), excelling in both singles and doubles, and rocketing into the Men’s Singles Top 30 🚀. As Quang wrote on his social media: “Tennis showed me the door, but pickleball gave me a whole picture window.”
The “Avatar” on the Court
Quang is known for his killer combo of “insane defense + instant acceleration” — lightning-fast reflexes, slick footwork 🕺, and jaw-dropping saves that turn surefire winners into extended rallies.
Vietnamese media like Tuổi Trẻ and VietnamNet have repeatedly highlighted his heritage, celebrating him as the “Vietnamese-American prodigy shaking up the sport.” American commentators nicknamed him “Avatar” — not because of his hair, but because he moves like he’s mastering all four elements on the court 🌊🔥🌪️.
One ESPN analyst joked, “When you play Avatar, buckle up.” Pro Catherine Parenteau put it perfectly on her podcast: “He’s not just playing rallies — he’s directing an action movie.”
Bringing the Light Home: Vietnam’s New “National Treasure”
In July 2024, Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu My Hung Pickleball Center hosted “Quang Duong Comes Home” — a exhibition match that sold out all 4,000 tickets in just 5 minutes 🎟️💨. Organizers had to set up giant screens outside to accommodate the overflowing crowds.
VnExpress described the vibe as “like a music festival,” while Báo Nghệ An reported that “pickleball had never heard screams this loud.” The hashtag #QuangDuongVeQue (Quang Comes Home) hit 120 million views in 48 hours — even out-trending Premier League preseason games 📈. Locals joked, “When Quang comes home, even the GDP gets a boost.”
In December 2024, a charity event in his hometown of Vinh drew 2,800 fans into an 1,800-seat gym 🏟️👥. The auction of two signed paddles + a group lesson raised 7.8 billion VND (~$31,000) — a local sports charity record 💛.
By June 2025, a survey by VietnamNet (12,000 urban youths aged 14–35) revealed:
78% learned about pickleball because of Quang Duong
63% had already bought or planned to buy their first paddle — a 52% jump since 2023
He ranked as the 2nd most-watched athlete they wanted to see live, right behind soccer star Nguyễn Công Phượng.
The media dubbed this spending surge the “Quang Duong Effect,” noting it was the first time a non-Olympic sport athlete had sparked a multi-million-dollar consumer wave in Vietnam’s sports market.
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Forget everything you thought you knew about sports prodigies—the pickleball world is exploding with a new generation of talent that’s rewriting the rulebook! 🤯✨ These aren’t just players; they’re the future of the game, and their stories are just beginning. Let’s dive in!
🌟 The Prodigy Pack: Signed, Sealed, and Dominating!
Meet the KIDS who are already signing professional contracts and taking names! 😎
Elsie Hendershot (Age 12)
The Scoop: This powerhouse just won the 2024 Junior PPA Finals! 🏆 Imagine being in middle school and already having a pro deal with the Major League Pickleball association. Goals! 💪
Our Verdict: A living legend in the making. Watch out, world!
Cam Chaffin (Age 14)
The Scoop: Cam didn’t just get signed; he earned it with a sky-high DUPR rating that turned heads. 🎯 He’s not just playing the game; he’s mastering it.
Our Verdict: The definition of “future star.” Remember his name! 🔥
Tama Shimabukuro (Age 14)
The Scoop: Tama is already holding her own against top-level competition at events like the PPA Cincinnati Open. At 14! 🙌
Our Verdict: Skill, grace, and power. The complete package.
Ella Yeh (15) & Jade Rau (15)
The Scoop: This dynamic duo of 15-year-olds just inked their pro deals with the PPA! They’re part of a wave of incredible young women changing the face of the sport. 🌊
Our Verdict: The future of women’s pickleball is in very, very good hands. 👏
🌍 A Global Phenomenon: The Wave is Everywhere!
The talent boom isn’t confined to one country! From China, a new wave is rising fast! 🇨🇳
Chen Yupeng & Zhu Yining: These young guns are absolutely dominating the junior circuits (U14/U16 & U12), snatching back-to-back championship titles. 🥇🥇 They’re on a winning streak that’s hard to ignore!
Pan Xiaomi: The U16 double champion 🏆🏆! She conquered both the girls’ singles AND doubles. Talk about versatility and clutch performance!
Cai Xiang & Chen Zhe: These rising stars just stunned everyone at the National Pickleball Championships, each grabbing major titles and announcing their arrival on the big stage! 🚀
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Move over tennis—pickleball’s fierce, fun, and full of talent! And when it comes to women’s pro pickleball, there are players who not only bring the heat on the court but also own it with charisma and presence. We’re talking power, precision, and personality! 💥
Here’s our lineup of 10 amazing female pros who are redefining what it means to be a true “double threat” in the game:
1. Anna Leigh Waters
The teen sensation who’s already world No. 1 🌟! With an all-around game, killer drives, and reflexes that seem almost psychic, Anna Leigh is unstoppable. She swept women’s singles, doubles, AND mixed doubles at the 2025 Orange Cup 🏆 and holds over 50 titles in each category. Yeah, she’s that good.
2. Anna Bright
This Cal Berkeley tennis alum turned PPA pro is a force on the tour 🔥. With 22 championships—13 from premier PPA events—Anna dominates in doubles and mixed doubles like nobody’s business. Watch out for her quick hands and smart plays!
3. Catherine Parenteau
From a top-ranked tennis career to captaining the MLP Los Angeles squad, Catherine brings fire and positivity to every match 😄. She’s snagged 53 PPA gold medals and is a two-time triple crown winner. A true leader and fan favorite!
4. Genie Bouchard
Tennis star turned pickleball powerhouse 🎾→🥒. Genie’s Grand Slam experience (we see you, Wimbledon finals!) gives her a competitive edge that’s paying off big in pickleball. She’s fierce, focused, and just getting started.
5. Parris Todd
A former junior tennis champ with over 85 titles, Parris transitioned to pickleball and quickly racked up 30+ golds across APP and PPA tours 🥇. Triple crown winner? Check! Plus, her friendly vibe makes everyone a fan.
6. Ava Ignatowich
Rising alert 🚀! After a national tennis ranking, Ava switched to pickleball in 2022 and has already cracked the top 20 in PPA singles. With a playful off-court presence and serious on-court hustle, she’s one to follow.
7. Dominique Schaefer
This Peruvian tennis export brought her Fed Cup experience to pickleball in 2023—and immediately started winning 🏅. Creative doubles strategies + killer style = social media stardom. Go Dom!
8. Rachel Rohrabacher
Graceful yet gritty, this former USC tennis star shines in doubles and mixed doubles 🤝. Currently ranked 4th in PPA doubles and 9th in mixed, Rachel and partner Anna Bright grabbed 8 golds in 2024 alone. Elegance with an edge!
9. Jorja Johnson
Only 18 and already a triple threat 🔥! Growing up in a pickleball family, Jorja plays with aggressive flair and clever strategy. She’s ranked 16th in singles, 6th in doubles, and 2nd in mixed. The future is here!
10. Alex Walker
Canada’s newest star joined the pro scene full-time in 2023 and is climbing fast 📈. With tennis-trained control and sharp tactics, Alex is a smooth operator in doubles—plus, she’s got that cool-and-friendly vibe we love.
These athletes aren’t just winning titles—they’re shaping the sport with passion, personality, and serious skills. Power + presence = pickleball royalty! 👑
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