Picture this: It’s championship point at a major PPA tournament. The crowd is holding their breath. Catherine Parenteau exchanges a quick glance with her partner, Anna Leigh Waters, before settling into her ready position. Her trademark intensity is visible in every muscle, yet her face remains calm and focused, ready to unleash one of her signature drives.
If you’ve watched any pro pickleball in the last few years, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
This Montreal-born powerhouse has evolved into one of the most electrifying players to watch on tour. Whether she’s battling it out in singles or commanding the court in doubles alongside Anna Leigh Waters (talk about a dream team!), Catherine brings an intensity to the game that’s impossible to ignore.
But here’s what gets me: how does a former Division I tennis player from Michigan State transform into one of pickleball’s most feared competitors?
And more importantly, how does she keep adapting and thriving in a sport that’s changing at lightning speed?
That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
From her early days picking up a paddle to her current status as one of the sport’s elite players, we’re going deep into the Catherine Parenteau story.
This isn’t just about watching a tennis player transition to pickleball – it’s about watching someone help reshape what professional pickleball looks like.
Let’s get started.
From Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Champion
Want to know how one of pickleball’s most dynamic players got her start?
Catherine Parenteau’s journey begins on the tennis courts of Montreal – when she was just four years old!
While most kids were still mastering their ABCs, little Catherine was already showing signs of becoming the athlete we know today. Her parents introduced her to tennis, and something special happened.
Through years of grinding (and probably more early mornings than she’d care to count), Catherine climbed her way to becoming one of Canada’s elite tennis players. We’re not talking “pretty good” here – we’re talking top 5 in the entire country!
Her talent didn’t just turn heads – it opened doors.
Division I college recruiters came calling, and soon Catherine found herself with a spot on the University of Arkansas’s top-25 tennis team. But here’s where things get interesting.
After a year at Arkansas, Catherine made the kind of gutsy decision that would later become her trademark. She transferred to Michigan State University, where she spent the next three years not just playing tennis, but dominating it. Between 2012 and 2015, she was the kind of player other teams hated to see on their schedule.
Little did anyone know that all those years of tennis – the footwork, the quick reactions, the strategic thinking – were actually laying the perfect foundation for her future pickleball career. But we’ll get to that part of the story in just a minute…
The Transition to Pickleball
Sometimes life’s biggest moments happen when you least expect them. For Catherine, that moment came in 2015 on a regular day at Michigan State University.
Picture this: Catherine’s tennis coach, Simone Jardim (yeah, THE Simone Jardim – now a pickleball legend), asks if she wants to try this new sport called pickleball. Catherine probably thought it would just be a fun afternoon break from tennis practice. Little did she know!
From that very first game, Catherine was hooked.
There was something about pickleball that just felt right. Maybe it was the fast pace, or the strategy, or how it combined all the skills she’d been developing since she was four. Whatever it was, she couldn’t get enough.
Now, here’s where the story gets wild. Within six months of picking up a paddle for the first time, Catherine decided to enter a tournament. But we’re not talking about some beginner’s bracket here. She jumped straight into the 5.0 mixed doubles division!
And guess what? She didn’t just compete – she WON THE WHOLE THING!
Here’s the kicker: One of the players she and her partner beat was Ben Johns. Yes, that Ben Johns – the same guy who’s now considered pickleball’s GOAT. (Both of them were just getting started in the sport back then. Talk about a historic match!)
After that tournament, Catherine knew she’d found her calling. By 2016, she made the bold decision to turn pro. With her incredible athletic background and natural talent for the game, she started racking up wins and making a name for herself on the professional circuit.
Tournament Success
Let’s talk about winning – because Catherine Parenteau does a lot of it!
Since going pro in 2016, she hasn’t just joined the elite ranks of professional pickleball – she’s helping define them.
Major Victories That Made History
The PPA Tour Dominance
With over 45 PPA titles under her belt, Catherine’s trophy case must be getting pretty crowded! But it’s not just about the numbers – it’s how she wins. Match after match, tournament after tournament, she brings an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
The Dream Team Nobody Saw Coming
Here’s where things get really interesting. Late in 2022, something unexpected happened at Nationals. When Anna Leigh Waters (the world #1) suddenly needed a new doubles partner after her mom’s injury, Catherine stepped up. Talk about a plot twist!
Despite already being committed to play with Allyce Jones, Catherine made the bold move to partner with Anna Leigh. The pickleball world was buzzing – and these two proved exactly why when they crushed it and took home gold!
Recent Triumphs Catherine’s been on an absolute tear lately. Check this out:
- February 2023: Dominated the Indoor National Championships in Lakeville, MN, snagging double gold in both singles and mixed doubles with James Ignatowich
- Late 2023: Teamed up again with Anna Leigh Waters to win gold at the Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships
What Makes Catherine Special
But here’s what really sets Catherine apart – it’s not just her incredible shot-making or her strategic brilliance. It’s her whole approach to the game. She brings this unique combination of:
- Natural athletic talent that makes jaw-dropping shots look easy
- A work ethic that would tire out the Energizer Bunny
- The ability to stay ice-cool under pressure
- An infectious positive attitude that turns into fierce competitiveness when the match is on the line
Watch Catherine during any match, and you’ll see someone who genuinely loves what she’s doing. That passion shows in every serve, every dink, and every celebration. It’s no wonder she’s become such a fan favorite across the country!
Catherine’s Paddle Of Choice
Ever wondered what paddle a pro like Catherine Parenteau uses to dominate the court? Let’s peek into her gear bag!
Catherine crushes it with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. And trust me, this isn’t just any paddle. Selkirk has become a powerhouse in professional pickleball, backing some of the biggest names in the game like Dylan Frazier.
So what makes this paddle so special?
Think of it like a Swiss Army knife for pickleball. Need to drop a gentle dink over the net? Got you covered. Want to blast a forehand winner down the line? This paddle can do that too. It’s got that sweet spot between power and control that pros like Catherine need to play their best game.
Let’s get a bit technical (but not too technical!):
- Weight: A perfect 7.7 to 8.1 ounces – light enough to move fast, heavy enough to pack a punch
- Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches around – comfortable for pretty much any hand size
- Special Feature: Selkirk’s Geo Grip technology means you’re in control even when things get sweaty out there
Here’s what makes Catherine’s choice so smart: this paddle doesn’t force you to choose between power and finesse. Want to play like Catherine? You need a paddle that can handle everything from soft game mastery to powerful drives, and the Vanguard Power Air Invikta delivers on both counts.
Off The Court
Think pro players just eat, sleep, and breathe pickleball? Not Catherine! When she’s not crushing it on the tournament circuit, she’s living her best life in sunny Naples, Florida – one of pickleball’s hottest destinations.
Home is extra special for Catherine because she shares it with her partner Athena Trouillot and their adorable French bulldog, Zoey. (If you’ve seen Catherine’s social media, you know Zoey might just be her biggest fan!)
But this Canadian native knows how to keep active even when she’s not holding a paddle. You might catch her:
- Running along Naples’ beautiful beaches (perfect for staying in tournament shape!)
- Hitting the Canadian mountains for some epic skiing when visiting home
- Exploring Florida’s outdoor scene with Athena and Zoey
What makes Catherine so relatable is how she balances the intensity of pro athletics with living a full life off the court. Sure, she can drill winners all day long in tournaments, but she also knows the importance of unwinding and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Speaking of balance – those scenic runs aren’t just about staying fit. For Catherine, they’re a perfect way to clear her mind and stay mentally fresh for competition. And when she heads back to Canada? Those skiing adventures in the mountains remind her of her roots while giving her an adrenaline rush that rivals any championship match.
Ever wonder how pickleball got it’s name? Click here to find out.
Future Goals
Passing on the Passion
Here’s something cool about Catherine – she’s not just about winning medals. She absolutely loves teaching others how to play this amazing sport. As an IPTPA-certified coach, she’s created something special with her coaching clinics.
What makes her clinics different? It’s how Catherine breaks down the game:
- She gets that not everyone’s a former tennis pro
- She knows exactly how to explain those tricky shots
- She creates this super supportive vibe where everyone feels comfortable asking questions
Building Pickleball’s Future
But Catherine’s vision goes way beyond just winning tournaments or running clinics. She sees pickleball as this amazing force that brings people together. Whether you’re:
- A former athlete looking for your next competitive fix
- A retiree discovering your athletic side for the first time
- Or just someone looking to have fun and meet cool people
Catherine’s on a mission to grow this sport she loves. Through her coaching, tournaments, and community involvement, she’s helping shape pickleball’s future, one dink at a time.
Beyond the Medals
Sure, winning tournaments is great (and Catherine does plenty of that!). But what really gets her excited is seeing pickleball grow. She’s watching this sport explode in popularity, and she’s not just along for the ride – she’s helping steer the ship.
With her combination of competitive fire and genuine love for teaching, Catherine Parenteau isn’t just a champion player. She’s becoming one of pickleball’s most important ambassadors. And something tells me we’re going to be seeing a lot more of her both on and off the court!
What Tournaments Will Catherine Play?
Want to see this pickleball powerhouse live? You’re in luck! Catherine is fired up and ready to dominate the 2025 pro tour. And trust me – she’s playing better than ever.
Where to Watch Catherine Play
- PPA Tour Events: This is where you’ll catch most of her action. The Professional Pickleball Association hosts the biggest tournaments in the sport, and Catherine’s usually right in the thick of things.
- Major League Pickleball: an exciting team-based format where pros like Catherine Parenteau compete in co-ed teams for massive prize money, bringing a unique energy to the sport with its fast-paced draft system, rally scoring, and electric team atmosphere.
How to Follow Along Want to make sure you don’t miss any of Catherine’s matches? Here are your best bets:
- Visit catherineparenteau.com for her personal tournament schedule
- Check out ppatour.com for the full PPA Tour calendar
- Head to usapickleball.org for a complete list of sanctioned events
Watch from Home
Can’t make it to the tournaments? No problem! Thanks to pickleball’s growing popularity, you can catch Catherine’s matches on ESPN or YouTube. They’re showing more pro pickleball than ever before, bringing all the action right to your living room.
Pro Tip: Follow Catherine on social media for behind-the-scenes tournament content and updates on where she’ll be playing next!
Conclusion
When you watch Catherine Parenteau on the pickleball court, you’re not just seeing an athlete at the top of her game – you’re witnessing someone who’s helping shape the future of this incredible sport.
From those early days on Canadian tennis courts to becoming one of pickleball’s most dominant players, Catherine’s journey is far from over. With her killer instincts in tournaments, her passion for teaching others, and her genuine love for the game, she’s becoming more than just a champion – she’s becoming a pickleball legend.
Whether she’s battling for gold medals with Anna Leigh Waters, running clinics in Naples, or chasing that elusive triple crown, one thing’s crystal clear: Catherine Parenteau is just getting started. And if you love pickleball as much as we do, you won’t want to miss what she does next.
Want to follow Catherine’s journey? Keep an eye out for her at the next big tournament, sign up for one of her clinics, or catch her matches on ESPN. Trust me – watching Catherine play might just inspire you to take your own game to the next level!
