A new initiative in Solano County is educating inmates on how to coach basketball. The Golden State Warriors have partnered with the California State Prison, Solano, for a six-week program aimed at teaching inmates essential leadership skills. Ryan Curry visited the prison this week, where inmates expressed that the program gives them hope for a better future.
Inmates are excited about this opportunity, which allows them to work together as a team. Ray Woodfork, who has been incarcerated for 21 years, shared his journey of seeking change after realizing he was in a dire situation. He is among a group of prisoners selected to participate in this transformative program.
The initiative, known as the Twinning Project, originated in England five years ago, pairing soccer teams with local prisons to train inmates as coaches. This marks the first expansion into basketball in Northern California, with the Warriors stepping in to provide expertise and support.
Hilton Freund, CEO of the Twinning Project, emphasized the positive effects of the program on inmates’ mental and physical health, as it encourages them to interact more constructively with each other and prison staff. The six-week curriculum includes classroom sessions and gym practices aimed at teaching inmates the fundamentals of coaching basketball.
Freund highlighted the importance of developing necessary skills such as leadership, time management, conflict resolution, and anger management. The selection process for inmates involved interviews conducted by prison staff to identify suitable candidates.
Inmates view this program as a significant opportunity for personal growth. Woodfork, who aspires to be a coach upon his release, reflected on how participating in this program brings a sense of purpose back into their lives, emphasizing their humanity despite their circumstances. The Warriors have spent the past year preparing for this initiative, believing that their involvement can genuinely make a difference for the inmates. At the program’s conclusion, participants will receive graduation certificates, with many expressing interest in pursuing coaching careers after their time in prison.