The Professional Pickleball Association partnered with Adidas to host the first-ever Adidas Collegiate World Championships, held in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 2025. Utah Tech competed in the three-day event against athletes from Poland, India, and Malaysia to prove who was truly the best.
“It was awesome to be able to bring home the trophy and represent the legacy that Trailblazer pickleball has and is continuing to build,” said Liam Duffin, one of the winners. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be student-athletes competing at such a high level, as well as the opportunity we have to represent Utah Tech.”
In pool play, Utah Tech went undefeated, sweeping all five of their opponents leading up to elimination play, where they were placed into the top seed and continued their winning streak.
The final match of the tournament, set to determine who would bring home the title, opened with women’s and men’s doubles, where both matches split 21–13: one win for India, one for Utah Tech. With the score tied, tensions rose, and everything hinged on mixed doubles.
UT players Mary Monson and Liam Duffin delivered an impressive performance, swinging the score in Utah Tech’s favor. The results of the final match came down to sibling duo Clayton and Ella Boydston. Like something out of a movie, the score climbed to 20–20. With the score tied, the final point would determine the first collegiate world champion.
After an intense volley, Clayton lobbed the ball over the kitchen, and Ella smashed it down along the right side. The crowd erupted. Utah Tech had done something no team had done before. They had blazed their own trail and claimed the first-ever title of World Collegiate Pickleball Champions.
“I’m so proud of this team for the incredible season they have put together,” said pickleball head coach, Chloee Butterfield. “More importantly than wins, this team has shown they can show up for each other and push each other to be the best versions of themselves possible.”
The championship title for Utah Tech comes after a partnership with Selkirk Sport as the company’s first-ever collegiate sponsorship. Selkirk Sport is a leading brand in pickleball equipment.
For more information about Trailblazer pickleball, visit recreation.utahtech.edu/club-sports/current-clubs/pickleball-club/.
About the Author
Community & Culture
Katie Walker is a full-time student at Utah Tech University. She moved from northern Utah to St. George to pursue a bachelor’s degree in digital media with an emphasis in public relations. She will graduate in Spring 2026 and has loved her time at Utah Tech, serving as a student ambassador, television news anchor, and Miss Utah Tech.