Between the Lines hosts first basketball clinic at Calipatria

October 18, 2024

Calipatria recently hosted the first Between the Lines basketball clinic.

Calipatria State Prison recently collaborated with Between the Lines to host the organization’s first basketball clinic at the institution.

The Oct. 10 clinic was offered to the incarcerated population on Facility C.

The day began with the Between the Lines basketball players arriving to the institution at 7 a.m., loaded with equipment and gear. The players were eager to put their skills to good use against the Facility C teams.

Group photo of incarcerated players and Between the Lines volunteers and staff. — Between the Lines volunteers and staff along with incarcerated players.

“It was great to see the interaction between the population and the Between the Lines volunteers.”
Capt. M. Barra, Facility C, Calipatria State Prison

More of the organization’s staff arrived an hour later, setting the tone of the event with upbeat music echoing throughout the yard. Staff and the incarcerated players then met each other on the basketball court for introductions, free throws, and warm-ups.

Hoops and hope at Calipatria

The first game started slowly but quickened when the baskets started to rack up. Despite the effort put forth by Facility C’s team, Between the Lines won by a small margin.

During the second game, the incarcerated population left it all on the court. Still, the visitors took the win with the final score being 60-59.

“It was great to see the interaction between the population and the Between the Lines volunteers,” said Facility C Capt. M. Barra. “The population shared their stories and how they have utilized the programs offered to change their lives and follow a path a positivity.”

Along with the basketball game, participants were interviewed by Between the Lines staff regarding their journey through their rehabilitative process. The incarcerated members discussed their transformation into becoming productive members of society.

Between the Lines staff interview incarcerated participants at Calipatria State Prison. — Incarcerated participants were interviewed by the Between the Lines organization.

This event is one of many rehabilitative activities Calipatria State Prison proudly provides to its incarcerated population.

“This was our first time at Calipatria and it was warm and welcoming,” said Tory Stapleton, Between the Lines co-founder. “The staff from (our organization) was reminded that once we walk on the court, we are all just kids at the park.”

One of the incarcerated players said the enjoyed the event.

“It is amazing that we get to come out and play the sport that we love,” he said.

Learn more about the Between the Lines organization on their website.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe