In Search Of Excellence: Episode E145 with Annalee Waters

Host: Randall Kaplan
Guest: Annalee Waters
Release Date: January 7, 2025

In this episode of "In Search Of Excellence," host Randall Kaplan delves deep into the world of professional pickleball with the reigning champion, Annalee Waters. At just 18 years old, Annalee has made history by becoming the number one player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the tender age of 14. Throughout their engaging conversation, Annalee shares insights into her exceptional skills, the evolving landscape of professional pickleball, mental toughness, financial acumen, and her aspirations for the future.

1. Dominance in Pickleball: The Annalee Waters Phenomenon

Annalee Waters attributes her unparalleled success in pickleball to a combination of innate intelligence, strategic decision-making, and a strong genetic foundation. Reflecting on her early years, she notes:

"Most people say what makes me really good at pickleball is my IQ. That was also what made me really good in soccer... my decision making is my best thing."
— Annalee Waters [00:02]

Her strategic approach on the court contrasts with many of her competitors, many of whom transition from college tennis without the same depth of pickleball-specific experience.

2. Navigating the MLP Draft and Team Dynamics

The discussion shifts to the intricacies of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) draft system. Annalee explains the strategic financial decisions teams must make when drafting players:

"They were given a certain amount of dollars they could spend on the entire Draft... how much is it worth to spend up, up, up to get Ben or whoever versus if you just get like four players who are around the same price type thing."
— Annalee Waters [01:59]

She highlights the competitive nature of the draft, emphasizing the importance of balancing top-tier talent with overall team depth.

3. Investment Growth in Pickleball: A Comparative Analysis

Comparing the investment trajectories of traditional sports with pickleball, Annalee provides a nuanced perspective:

"I think it's just depends on how much are you banking on pickleball. Like if you think pickleball is gonna explode and become like tennis or basketball or..."
— Annalee Waters [05:49]

She underscores the potential for exponential growth, contingent on factors like media coverage and public interest, while also acknowledging the inherent risks associated with emerging sports markets.

4. Infrastructure and Audience Engagement: Meeting the Demands

As pickleball gains popularity, the need for appropriate facilities becomes evident. Annalee discusses the challenges of accommodating growing audiences within the sport's relatively smaller court dimensions:

"We're definitely outgrowing what we have now. But we're not to the point where, like you said, we want like this huge Arthur Ashe stadium... people need to be close to the court."
— Annalee Waters [07:49]

She elaborates on the importance of safety and space, highlighting past issues with court layouts and their impact on player performance and injury rates.

5. The GOAT Debate: Annalee vs. Legendary Athletes

Engaging in a "greatest of all time" (GOAT) discussion, Randall brings up Roger Federer to draw parallels with Annalee's dominance:

"The best thing was in my Life. If I could just restart life... but nobody knew who I was."
— Annalee Waters [40:39]

Annalee reflects on her admiration for Federer, emphasizing strategic prowess over physical attributes:

"What's your best thing is strategy... plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D."
— Annalee Waters [35:02]

6. Mental Toughness: Overcoming Setbacks and Personal Growth

A pivotal moment in the conversation centers on Annalee's emotional breakdown during a high-stakes match at 16 years old:

"It was one of the worst days of my pickleball career... I was giving up."
— Annalee Waters [16:35]

Through this experience, Annalee learned invaluable lessons about handling pressure, maintaining composure, and the importance of mental resilience. She shares her ongoing journey in cultivating mental toughness with the support of her mental coach:

"My mental coach... helped me feel so much better about whatever it is I was calling him about."
— Annalee Waters [36:28]

7. Financial Acumen: Investments and Future Planning

Annalee's financial wisdom is apparent as she discusses her investments and the significance of early financial planning:

"If you put away a million dollars in the bank today... you'll have $21 million."
— Annalee Waters [31:02]

She offers a glimpse into her investment strategies, including real estate ventures and partnerships with prominent financial firms like Rockefeller.

8. Success Traits: Preparation and Positivity

Highlighting the role of extreme preparation, Annalee credits her rigorous training and strategic mindset as key drivers of her success:

"When you're practicing how you would play a match... being smart when you're on the court."
— Annalee Waters [35:02]

Her commitment to both physical training and mental preparation, guided by her mental coach, equips her to stay ahead in a competitive field.

9. Balancing Fame and Personal Life

Navigating fame at a young age presents its challenges. Annalee candidly discusses the pressures of public scrutiny and the importance of maintaining personal boundaries:

"Some people don't like you. Some people really like you... I feel like I'd feel much safer if a lot of people didn't know who I was."
— Annalee Waters [40:39]

She emphasizes the supportive role of her family in managing the demands of her public persona, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

10. Aspirations and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Annalee envisions a future intertwined with the growth of pickleball beyond her playing career:

"Hopefully in the future, when I'm done with pickleball, I can figure out something in the pickleball space to continue working and staying in it."
— Annalee Waters [33:38]

She expresses keen interest in contributing to the sport's development, potentially through entrepreneurial ventures or strategic roles within the industry.

11. Final Insights and Advice

Concluding the interview, Annalee offers heartfelt advice based on her experiences:

"I would tell myself to just enjoy it. What you did was awesome and you should enjoy it."
— Annalee Waters [42:42]

Her reflections underscore the importance of balancing ambition with personal fulfillment, a lesson she imparts to both herself and her listeners.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Intelligence: Annalee's high IQ and strategic mindset set her apart in the competitive world of pickleball.

• Financial Savvy: Early investments and financial planning are crucial for long-term success and stability.

• Mental Resilience: Overcoming personal setbacks through mental coaching fosters growth and sustained excellence.

• Balanced Growth: The future of pickleball hinges on strategic investments, media engagement, and infrastructure development.

• Personal Well-being: Navigating fame with strong family support and personal boundaries ensures a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

Annalee Waters exemplifies the essence of excellence through her multifaceted approach to success, blending talent with strategic planning and mental fortitude. Her journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring athletes and professionals alike.