MANILA, Philippines – World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is heading to Manila next week as she takes on a new role as global sports ambassador for health and wellness company IAM Worldwide.
The 19-year-old American remains No. 1 in the latest World Pickleball Rankings and has established herself as one of the biggest names in the rapidly growing sport.
Waters will visit Manila as part of a four-country Southeast Asian tour that will also take her to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Her Philippine stop will include a media appearance presented by Franklin Sports and IAM Worldwide.
Ahead of her arrival, IAM Worldwide launched a new campaign featuring Waters as the face of its Amazing Organic Barley Gummies.
The campaign features Waters on the pickleball court in a rally against an animated character as the company links its wellness product with sports and an active lifestyle.
IAM Worldwide named Waters its global sports ambassador in September, expanding the athlete’s growing list of partnerships outside professional competition.
The Manila visit comes as pickleball continues to gain a wider following in the Philippines, with new courts, clubs and communities emerging around the sport.
Waters’ appearance will kick off the Southeast Asian leg of the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase before she heads to the other stops on the regional tour.
