Gerald Ford Elementary students learn pickleball skills from World’s No. 1 player

Students from Gerald Ford Elementary had the opportunity to play pickleball with the world's number one professional player.

Seventeen-year-old Anna Leigh Waters and the team from FILA visited the school on Thursday, hosting a Q&A and a pickleball clinic with students.

The athlete turned pro when she was only 12 years old.

"I'm very grateful for the school for having us come here and do something like this," said Waters.

Students enjoyed learning new skills and getting competitive.

Gerald Ford Elementary's assistant principal, Kerry Sperber, said, "It's huge here at Gerald Ford to have somebody to mentor our kids."

And she believes these students will cherish the memory.

"What an amazing event for us to have her here," said Sperber. "We are making lasting memories for our students; we are really grateful."

And Waters says the sport is meant to be fun.

"This sport, anybody can play," said Waters. "It's easy to learn, hard to master."