Rachel Rohrabacher Reflects On Her Time With Anna Bright: ‘Immensely Proud Of What We Built’
Source: PPA Tour
As professional partnerships shift across the 2025 PPA Tour, one of the sport’s most beloved duos has officially parted ways. Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright—known to fans as “The Girlies”—have called time on their wildly successful run together on the women’s doubles circuit.
Rohrabacher addressed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, expressing gratitude for their time as teammates while offering her full support for Bright’s next chapter. Bright is set to partner with current World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters for the remainder of the PPA season, following Waters’ split from longtime teammate Catherine Parenteau.
“Anna gave me my first real shot in this sport,” Rohrabacher wrote. “She took a chance on me when I was unproven and just getting started. That one act of faith turned into a career I never imagined.”
Together, Rohrabacher and Bright were more than just a strong pairing—they were contenders, entertainers, and a core part of the PPA Tour’s rise in popularity. Over two years, they compiled an impressive 91-16 record, won eight gold medals, and consistently challenged the dominance of the Waters-Parenteau partnership.
Their chemistry was electric on and off the court, earning them a passionate fanbase and the affectionate nickname “The Girlies.” From rallying crowds in Major League Pickleball to pushing the top seeds at every tournament stop, Rohrabacher and Bright left a lasting mark on women’s doubles.
A Bittersweet Goodbye—But No Bad Blood
Rohrabacher made it clear there are no hard feelings—only appreciation.
“Though we’re heading in different directions, I’m immensely proud of everything we accomplished,” she said. “I’ll always look back on our time together with gratitude and love.”
She also gave a nod to the fans who stood by them: “Thank you to everyone who believed in us and supported us as we grew together. This chapter may be closing, but I’m excited for what comes next.”
What’s Next For Rohrabacher?
While Bright has already charted her new course with Waters, Rohrabacher has yet to announce her next regular partner for the 2025 PPA season. With the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships scheduled for mid-May, she still has time to find the right fit.
One thing is clear—Rohrabacher isn’t stepping back from competition.
She confirmed that she will represent the D.C. Pickleball Team at MLP Orlando later this month, and fans can expect her to remain a force on the pro circuit.
A Personal Health Update
In her Instagram message, Rohrabacher also shared a personal health update, revealing she recently underwent a medical procedure to remove basal cell cancerous spots at the Academic Alliance in Dermatology in Tampa, Florida.
Fortunately, she assured fans that “everything went well.”
The End Of An Era—But Not The End Of The Journey
In professional sports, change is inevitable. But the partnership between Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright was more than just a string of wins. It was a moment in time that resonated with fans and brought new energy to women’s pickleball.
While “The Girlies” may no longer be sharing the court, the legacy they built—and the excitement they brought—will live on.
As Rohrabacher prepares for her next move and Bright begins a new chapter with Waters, one thing is certain: women’s doubles just got even more interesting.
Stay tuned.