Some sports are male-dominated like football or rugby. It’s a good thing that racquet sports provide equal opportunities for both genders. Pickleball isn’t an exception here. This sport welcomes everyone. Both women and men can become top pickleball players.
There are many top male pickleball players, from the world’s number 1 Ben Johns to newcomer Federico Staksud. Here we will learn who the best pickleball players are in the female division.
Top Pickleball Players: Women
Anna Leigh Waters
Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest pickleball player and champion in history, becoming a pro at only 12 years old in 2019. She is currently pickleball’s biggest star, ranking number 1 in Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed.
Anna Leigh used to partner with her mother, Leigh Waters, in Doubles and they pioneered the aggressive style of banging and ripping. Currently, she partners with Anna Bright or Catherine Parenteau for Women’s Doubles and Ben Johns on Mixed Doubles. Her mom serves as her manager now.
Anna Leigh is sponsored by Paddletek and uses the Paddletek Bantam TS 5, one of the best power pickleball paddles that also offers increased speed, control, and maneuverability.
For the best control and spin paddle, check out 101 Pickleball’s Zen Control.
Catherine Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau is a Canadian professional pickleball player. She was a tennis player, in which she ranked top 5 in Canada, before pursuing a pickleball career. She was introduced to pickleball by her coach Simone Jardim in 2015 and she became a pro in 2016. During the same year, she won her first gold medal in the US Open Pickleball Championships Mixed Doubles. She currently ranks number 2 in Women’s Singles and Doubles, and number 7 in Mixed Doubles.
Catherine’s current sponsor is Selkirk and uses the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, a paddle designed for power players.
Lea Jansen
Lea Jansen, a pickleball rising star known for her competitive and fierce persona on the court. She was a top-ranked tennis player in the Pacific West. She goes way back with Tyson McGuffin as friends and he was the one who introduced pickleball to her in 2019. She became a full-time pickleball player in 2021 and a pro in 2022. Lea is a type-1 diabetic but that doesn’t stop her from ranking 3 in Women’s Singles, 9 in Mixed Doubles, and 13 in Women’s Doubles.
Lea is sponsored by JOOLA and uses the JOOLA Ben Johns paddle Perseus CFS 14, a paddle that provides impressive power and pop for maximum spins and precise shots.
Anna Bright
Anna Bright is a newcomer pickleball star. She currently ranks 3 in Women’s Doubles and 2 in Mixed Doubles. She started playing pickleball in 2021 and became a pro in 2022. Before becoming a dedicated pickleball player, she was also a tennis star and ranked 13.
JOOLA currently sponsors her and has a pickleball paddle made specifically for her, the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14. This is a charged carbon pickleball paddle that provides impressive pop for counteracting fast shots and helps with powerful drives, and put-aways.
Parris Todd
Parris Todd was a tennis prodigy and held 85 winning titles. Not only was she a tennis expert, but she also launched her fashion line for sportswear, Waisted, USA.
In 2021, Parris started playing pickleball and she became a pro in 2023. Even as a new pickleball player, she has won over 45 titles in the APP and PPATour, 2 MLP titles, and a triple-crowned US Open Championships.
Selkirk currently sponsors her and she uses the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta pickleball paddle.
Salome Devidze
Salome Devidze is a Georgian professional pickleball player. She was a professional tennis player, however, she had to stop due to an injury. She learned about pickleball and has since climbed the ladder. She currently ranks 5 in the Women’s Singles.
Vivienne David
Vivienne David was a Canadian-born who played junior tennis tournaments before discovering pickleball in 2013. She became a pro in 2015 and played her first pickleball tournament in 2018. She won a singles in the World Pickleball Championships 2019. She currently ranks 3 in Mixed Doubles and 11 in Women’s Doubles.
CRBN currently sponsors her and she uses the CRBN¹ X Series, a durable carbon fiber pickleball paddle that focuses on spin and dwell time.
Mary Brascia
Mary Brascia, a pickleball rising star, is the inventor of the Mary-Go-Round shot that she did on the 2002 Major League Pickleball (MLP). She was introduced to pickleball by her parents in 2020 and became a pro in 2022. She currently ranks 4 and 20 in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles respectively.
Mary is currently sponsored by Selkirk. She uses the Selkirk Labs Project 003 Epic in Doubles, a pickleball paddle for power, control, and spin. She uses the Selkirk Labs Project 002 in Singles, a paddle that provides pure and unstoppable power.
These are the women who dominated the courts of pickleball. Most of these players are tennis players before becoming pickleball players. Pickleball has no limits, from gender to age like Anna Leigh Waters, the youngest pickleball player and champion ever. Pickleball welcomes everyone, new or pro. If you’re planning on becoming a pro, make sure to practice the essential shots of pickleball a lot to improve your skills. Invest in the best pickleball paddles and wear proper pickleball attire in every game.
| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender Equality | Racquet sports, including pickleball, provide equal opportunities for both genders. |
| Anna Leigh Waters | Youngest pro pickleball player at 12 in 2019. Currently ranked #1 in Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed. Uses Paddletek Bantam TS 5. |
| Catherine Parenteau | Former top 5 Canadian tennis player, introduced to pickleball in 2015. Ranked #2 in Women’s Singles and Doubles, #7 in Mixed. Uses Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. |
| Lea Jansen | Former top-ranked Pacific West tennis player, introduced to pickleball in 2019. Ranked #3 in Women’s Singles, #9 in Mixed, #13 in Women’s Doubles. Uses JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14. |
| Anna Bright | Newcomer in pickleball, ranked #3 in Women’s Doubles, #2 in Mixed Doubles. Became a pro in 2022. Uses JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14. |
| Parris Todd | Rising pickleball star, known for her powerful and strategic play. |
| Salome Devidze | Known for her agility and precision, she has quickly risen in the ranks. |
| Vivienne David | Noted for her defensive skills and consistency on the court. |
| Mary Brascia | Emerging talent with a strong background in tennis, bringing competitive edge to pickleball. |
| Contact Us | For more information, email us at 101grouppb@gmail.com |
FAQs About the Top Female Pickleball Players of 2024
1. Who is the youngest professional female pickleball player?
Answer: Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest professional female pickleball player, turning pro at the age of 12 in 2019. Since then, she has made a significant impact on the sport, currently ranking #1 in Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Her early entry into the sport and success has inspired many young athletes.
2. What are the backgrounds of the top female pickleball players?
Answer: Many of the leading female pickleball players come from tennis backgrounds, providing them with a solid foundation in racquet sports. For example, Catherine Parenteau was a top-ranked tennis player in Canada before transitioning to pickleball. Similarly, Lea Jansen and Parris Todd also had successful tennis careers, showcasing how skills from one sport can translate to another.
3. How has pickleball changed the landscape for women in sports?
Answer: Pickleball has become a platform for gender equality in sports, allowing women to compete at the highest levels alongside men. Unlike some traditionally male-dominated sports, pickleball has embraced female athletes, providing equal opportunities for recognition and sponsorship. The rise of players like Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau highlights this shift, as they dominate rankings and garner significant media attention.
4. What equipment do top female players use?
Answer: Top female pickleball players use specialized paddles designed for their playing styles. For instance, Anna Leigh Waters uses the Paddletek Bantam TS 5, known for its speed, control, and maneuverability. Catherine Parenteau plays with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, designed for power players. The right paddle can significantly affect performance, making it essential for players to choose equipment that complements their skills.
5. How do players like Anna Bright and Parris Todd break into the professional scene?
Answer: Players like Anna Bright and Parris Todd break into the professional scene through a combination of talent, training, and competitive play. Both athletes transitioned from tennis, where they honed their skills before committing to pickleball. Rapid success in amateur tournaments, such as the APP and MLP, can accelerate their rise in rankings, as seen with Parris Todd, who quickly amassed over 45 titles in just a few years.
6. What are the training regimens of top female pickleball players?
Answer: The training regimens of top female pickleball players typically include a mix of on-court practice, strength training, and strategy development. Many players engage in drills to improve their shot accuracy and footwork while also participating in fitness programs to enhance their agility and endurance. Mental training is also crucial, as maintaining focus and composure during matches can significantly impact performance.
7. What impact does sponsorship have on female pickleball players?
Answer: Sponsorship plays a vital role in the careers of female pickleball players, providing financial support for training, travel, and equipment. Top players like Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau benefit from sponsorships with reputable brands, which not only enhance their visibility but also allow them to focus on their performance without financial strain. This support is essential for sustaining their professional careers and promoting the sport among female athletes.