The energy in St. George is different this week—and for good reason. Utah Tech's pickleball team, the reigning Collegiate National Champions, is gearing up for another shot at glory. As the Trailblazers prepare to defend their title, there’s one thing that’s clear: this squad isn’t just resting on last year’s success—they’re building on it.

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Business as Usual—But With a Championship Mindset

Ask any of the players, and they'll tell you the same thing: the foundation of their success hasn’t changed much. "We’re all competitive and goal-driven when it comes to our personal development," one team member shared. "We’re also really close off the court, and that chemistry shows when we’re playing and training together."

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That tight-knit bond, paired with relentless work ethic, continues to define Utah Tech’s approach. The team spends countless hours training together, pushing each other, and keeping the standard high—because they know that staying at the top is even harder than getting there.

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Fine-Tuning the Formula: Consistency & Composure

Heading into this year’s tournament, the Trailblazers are sharpening their edge. “Consistency is everything,” says the team. One key area of focus has been high-percentage shots—minimizing errors and maximizing scoring opportunities. But it’s not just physical preparation that matters.

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“We’ve also been working on the mental side of things. DUPR Nationals get crazy—every school is watching, cheering, sometimes heckling. We’re training ourselves to stay locked in, stay composed, and block out the noise.”

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Confidence Meets Pressure

Being the defending champs brings a mix of swagger and scrutiny. “We’re definitely confident—we know what we’re capable of,” a player admitted. “But there’s pressure, too. Everyone wants to see the champs fall. We’re using that as fuel. We want to go back-to-back.”

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This mix of high confidence and grounded awareness could be exactly what gives the Trailblazers their edge. They know what it takes to win—and they’re ready to rise to the occasion once again.

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Lessons From the Top

Looking back at last year’s championship run, the players credit their victory to a few essential ingredients: rock-solid consistency, excellent coaching, team-first mentality, and focused practice sessions that mimic the intensity and unpredictability of tournament play.

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That experience gave them more than just a trophy—it reshaped their mindset. “We’re determined. We know how to win. And we love to have fun doing it. That balance of competitiveness and joy is what makes us great, both as a team and as individual players.”

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Eyes on the Prize

As the Trailblazers head into this year’s Collegiate National Championship, one thing is certain: they’re not just defending a title—they’re chasing another one. So whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from afar, get ready. Utah Tech is coming in hot, and they’ve got every intention of blazing the trail all the way to another championship win.

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Make sure to follow all the action from Collegiate Nationals on Instagram at @duprpb and @collegiateickleball for the latest scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage.