Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters have been a formidable duo for a number of years on the PPA Tour, dominating women's doubles with an impressive record.
Their partnership, which began in earnest in late 2023, culminated in a remarkable 159-6 overall record, translating to a 96.36% winning percentage. Together, they clinched 31 titles, including 14 in 2024 alone, and maintained a 40-match winning streak.
With only 6 losses in more than 2 years, it's pretty hard to imagine any other women's duo ever attaining that type of dominance again.
Pair Splits after only 6 losses in 2 years
Their synergy on the court was evident as they consistently outperformed top competitors. Notably, they held a 10-3 record in finals against the formidable pair of Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher, and a 21-1 record against all other opponents in finals . Their dominance was such that they were the #1 seed on the PPA Tour for over a year and a half
However, recent performances hinted at challenges. In the 2025 season, they experienced a dip, losing two of their last three tournaments. They were defeated in the finals of the North Carolina Open by Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson and faced an earlier-than-expected exit in the quarterfinals of the Texas Open against Callie Jo Smith and Etta Tuionetoa . These setbacks marked a departure from their usual dominance and possibly influenced subsequent decisions.​
In early April 2025, Catherine Parenteau announced via social media that their partnership had come to an end. She expressed surprise at the decision, stating that the breakup call from Waters was unexpected and “a little bit shocking” . Shortly thereafter, Anna Leigh Waters confirmed her new partnership with Anna Bright for the remainder of the 2025 season.
What's Next for Anna Leigh and Catherine?
This split signifies a significant shift in the landscape of women's professional pickleball. Parenteau and Waters' partnership was not only successful but also set a benchmark for excellence in the sport. Their separation opens up new dynamics and opportunities for emerging duos to make their mark.
At this point, Anna Leigh has announced her partnership with Anna Bright, a powerhouse and firebrand in her own right, and Parenteau is surveying the field for an ongoing future partnership. Paris Todd appears to be a great fit.
As the PPA Tour progresses, all eyes will be on how these changes influence the competition. The upcoming Veolia PPA Atlanta Championships, commencing on May 12, 2025, will be a crucial event to observe the evolving dynamics in women's doubles pickleball.​
