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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2025 | 55 Pickleball has oft been regarded as an old fogey activity. Indeed, many still refuse to admit it's a sport, preferring to relegate the activity to mere "game" status. Perhaps this dismissive attitude is spawned by the prevalence of "seniors" in the early publicity; how it was invented in a backyard in Seattle by some state legislators and became popular in Florida's Villages. Trivia buffs know that Joe Nuxhall debuted in MLB at age 15, Kobe Bryant splashed into the NBA when barely 18. Olympic gold went to a 13-year-old Chinese kid when he was 13. And then there is that brash newbie named Tiger-something who broke 80 at 8. So, if it takes a child prodigy to give a sport street cred, pickleball has Anna Leigh Waters. The pickle phenom first picked up a paddle when she was 10 while visiting her grandparents. She and her tennis-playing mom soon swept into bigtime pickleball and, at the unbelievable mark of 12 years Anna Leigh was a pro. Although Tiger Woods was a celebrity golfer seemingly all his life, even he didn't become a professional until he was 16. Making waves in our sport is old hat for Waters. She's been winning everything in sight for years. This summer marked a new level of recognition for this dynamic young woman, and, by extension, our entire sport. She was invited to the 2025 ESPYs, the first pickler to be so honored. The ESPYs recognize outstanding athletes in a whole host of areas. The ubiquitous TV network, ESPN, invented the award over 30 years ago, cleverly contriving Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly to both mirror their name and fill an apparent need in the entertainment industry for more award programming. It has, however, become an annual occasion to gather the best in show and shower trophies upon them. Anna Leigh didn't take home a prize. Her mere invite was a milestone, though. Hopefully it helps a wider audience to appreciate pickleball as the sport that it is, deserving of inclusion among all the rest. The Sun Lakes Pickleball Pavilion is teeming with players of all ages. If you are unacquainted, give club veteran Royce Newman a call at (951) 809-2303. He can steer you to the best times to check out this opportunity for discovering fun play with friendly folks. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club Pickleball Club