Meet Brad Boutilier: Growing Pickleball, Laughs, and Community in Saskatchewan
If you wander into a gym or community center in Saskatchewan, Canada, there’s a good chance you’ll find a group of new pickleball players having a blast—and odds are, you’ll find Brad Boutilier at the center of it. The founder of Triple Black Pickleball, Brad, has turned his personal love of the game into a local movement that’s as much about fun and connection as it is about skill.
From “Intimidated Beginner” to National Medalist
Brad’s pickleball story started like so many others: curiosity mixed with hesitation.
“I started playing about three and a half years ago,” he said. “I was super intimidated at the start.”
Brad Boutilier (right) with men’s doubles partner Devin Martens at the 2025 Canadian Nationals in Winnipeg
As he learned and improved, his passion for the game grew—and so did his success.
This past year, he and his doubles partner won their provincial championship and took silver at Nationals. That journey not only earned him a spot on the podium but also the attention of local players curious about his approach. Before long, they were asking him to coach.
Launching Triple Black Pickleball
That’s when Triple Black Pickleball was born. Based in a city of about 16,000 people, Brad decided to build something that could help others find confidence in the sport. He got certified through Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), which operates under Tennis Canada, and started running clinics for beginners.
His first series this fall filled up fast:
“I’ve got about 30 or 40 new players signed up,” Brad said. “We’ll go through the basics and teach them how to play. It’s really about creating a space where everyone’s new, so it’s not intimidating.”
Coaching Local, Connecting Global
While Triple Black is rooted in local community building, Brad’s reach extends far beyond Saskatchewan. Thanks to social media and a growing online presence, he’s even coaching players virtually from New York to Sydney, Australia.
What started as an Instagram page for sharing coaching tips evolved into something unexpected—a hub for humor and relatable pickleball moments.
“I just started posting funny stuff I came across,” he said. “I had 40 followers a month ago. Now there’s over 2,500. I’m not monetizing it; it’s just for fun.”
Paying It Forward
Brad’s approach to growing pickleball isn’t about profit—it’s about giving back. He’s partnered with brands like CRBN, Paddletek, and Franklin, who have donated paddles and balls for his beginner clinics.
“That first paddle is important,” Brad said. “If I can get good equipment into new players’ hands, that’s a win.”
For him, the pickleball community’s generosity stands out:
“It’s awesome—everyone wants to help grow the game,” he said. “Whether it’s companies donating gear or coaches letting me share their content, it’s all about supporting each other.”
Building Something Bigger
Though Saskatchewan doesn’t yet have the large dedicated pickleball facilities found in places like Arizona or Florida, Brad sees growth happening fast.
“Our club has doubled in size since I started,” he said. “We don’t have a dedicated facility yet, but we rent schools and community gyms in the winter. It works for now.”
Brad hopes to one day have more advanced players closer to home so locals don’t have to travel hours to find strong competition. In the meantime, he’s focused on fostering a welcoming community.
“It’s like walking up to the cool kids’ table,” he laughed. “These clinics are a place where everyone’s starting out together.”
Why It Matters
Canada’s pickleball scene is booming—its national association now boasts more members than USA Pickleball, a fact that surprises many. Leaders like Brad are helping make that happen from the ground up: by creating space for new players, sharing laughs, and proving that passion—not profit—is what grows the game.
Whether he’s teaching a backhand drive or remixing a funny pickleball video, Brad Boutilier embodies what makes this sport special: community, connection, and the joy of just showing up.
