Utah Tech University's top-ranked pickleball team brought their talent and camaraderie to South China Agricultural University (SCAU) on May 13, blending competitive fire with cross-cultural friendship in a spirited exhibition match.
The Utah Tech Trailblazers arrived in Guangzhou with an impressive credential: they are the first-ever collegiate world champions in pickleball. In a historic tournament hosted by the Professional Pickleball Association and Adidas in Dallas, Texas, the team swept all opponents to claim the title.
In the final against India, sibling duo Clayton and Ella Boydston clinched the mixed doubles decider 22 20, securing the championship. Team members have also earned individual global rankings — Liam Duffin ranks second in the world, while Mary Monson and Dylan Ciampini stand third and fourth respectively. Ciampini and Ashlee Peterson are world champions in women's doubles.
"Our Utah Tech pickleball team competed in the world championships against teams from other countries — and we won, which was amazing," said coach Melinda Wilkins. "Our kids have been so blessed with this opportunity to come and interact with players from China. It's developed friendships and a trip of a lifetime."
On the SCAU courts, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. "The chemistry was way better than you'd think — super friendly," said Payton Weber, a Utah Tech player. "We communicated, celebrated together, and told each other 'good shot.' It was competitive but fun at the same time."
Teammate Mary Monson added, "It's so important to build that bond from the United States to China through pickleball — that connection and sense of community."
Local students also embraced the exchange. Feng Minmin, an SCAU student, noted, "A key skill in pickleball is the backhand return, which I'm weak at. A foreign player came over and taught me. Being able to communicate with international players for free on an open platform — that's a great opportunity."
The enthusiasm was mutual; players high-fived, swapped tips, and posed for photos, turning the court into a vibrant crossroads of of two cultures.
The visit went far beyond the game itself. The two sides also held a discussion on the development of college sports, exchanging perspectives on athletic programs, student engagement, and how universities can foster international sports exchanges.
For many students, it was their first time playing alongside world-class athletes, and the experience left a lasting impression.
"As we know, sports are a great bridge," Wilkins said. "Mostly, it's about gaining person to person experience. Sports are a great way to do that." Her words resonated throughout the event, as athletes from both nations discovered shared laughter, respect, and a mutual love for the sport.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo & Video: Pan Jiajun
Cover: Lai Meiya
