Christian Alshon has officially ended his coaching partnership with Leigh Waters, bringing down the curtain on a two-year association that played a key role in his transition from tennis to professional pickleball.
The 24-year-old announced the split on Instagram on Tuesday, describing it as a bittersweet moment. In a detailed post on Instagram, he wrote:
“I have some very sad news but they say you should smile because it happened, don’t cry because it is over. After a few very helpful years of working together, Leigh Waters and I will no longer be coach and student. We will however always remain friends. Leigh practically introduced me to professional pickleball, and with her advice, I made the choice to quit my senior year of tennis for pro pickleball. She believed in me before hardly anyone had. It is in part to her that I made the best decision of my life. I am forever thankful for that.
Unfortunately, though, all good things must come to an end. Leigh and I found ourselves competing against each other too often, with her first obligation to coach her daughter, Anna Leigh, and The Fives. This situation was more than understandable but still very stressful for both of us. It was an arrangement that seemed doable on paper, and was at the start, but just didn’t work well long term.
That being said, thank you for being the best pickleball coach and the first female coach I have ever had. I believe we are both excited for the next chapter, and wish each other nothing but success. Hopefully, I will still see you in the finals!”
Waters is the mother and coach of world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and also leads Major League Pickleball side New Jersey 5s.
Closing on a positive note, Alshon added: “Leigh and I found ourselves competing against each other too often, with her first obligation to coach her daughter, Anna Leigh, and The Fives
“This situation was more than understandable but still very stressful for both of us. It was an arrangement that seemed doable on paper, and was at the start, but just didn’t work well long term,” he concluded.
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