Short and Sweet: Parenteau Recalls Shocking Call from Anna Leigh Waters

Short and Sweet: Parenteau Recalls Shocking Call from Anna Leigh Waters

1. On a recent episode of The Hannah Johns Podcast, pro pickleball star Catherine Parenteau opened up about one of the most surprising moments of her career—a call she received from none other than Anna Leigh Waters. The story was short and sweet, but it left a lasting impression, not just on Parenteau, but on fans tuning in who had no idea about the behind-the-scenes connection between two of the sport’s biggest names.

 

Parenteau, calm and composed as always, didn’t expect the topic to come up, but when host Hannah Johns asked about a moment that “completely caught her off guard,” her eyes lit up. “It was Anna Leigh,” Parenteau said, smiling. “She called me out of the blue, and honestly, I didn’t even recognize the number at first.”

 

According to Parenteau, the call wasn’t about business or scheduling or even practice. It was a personal, heartfelt call that revealed a different side of the fierce, competitive teenager many see on the court. “She just called to say thank you,” Parenteau recalled. “Thank you for pushing her, for always being a strong competitor, and for helping elevate the women’s game.”

 

That small gesture meant the world to Parenteau. At the time, the two were competing at the highest level and often found themselves facing off in intense matches. But underneath the competition, there was mutual respect—something Parenteau says is essential in the growing sport of pickleball. “We all want to win,” she said. “But when someone takes the time to acknowledge your impact, especially someone like Anna Leigh, it reminds you why you love the game.”

 

Parenteau admitted that the call was unexpected, especially coming from such a young star. “She’s mature beyond her years,” Parenteau added. “You see the fire in her game, the aggression, the drive—but off the court, that moment showed me how grounded and thoughtful she really is.”

 

The two players have since gone head-to-head in some of the most thrilling women’s singles and doubles matches in recent memory. While Waters continues to dominate headlines with her rapid rise, Parenteau remains one of the sport’s most consistent and admired figures. Their rivalry has been friendly yet fierce—a dynamic that has helped drive pickleball’s popularity to new heights.

 

The moment also sparked a conversation on the podcast about the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in a fast-growing sport. “We don’t always get to stop and appreciate the people we compete with,” Parenteau said. “But that call from Anna Leigh? That was one of those moments where it all felt worth it.”

 

As The Hannah Johns Podcast episode wrapped up, Parenteau left listeners with a simple takeaway: “Sometimes it’s not the wins or the medals you remember the most. It’s the unexpected moments of respect and kindness. And that call from Anna Leigh—I’ll never forget it.”

 

It was a short story, simply told—but one that spoke volumes about the spirit of pickleball and the people sh

aping its future.