Warriors, Twinning Project host Solano clinic

January 6, 2025

Golden State Warriors, Twinning Project and CDCR are using sports to enhance rehabilitation.

The Golden State Warriors, in collaboration with the Twinning Project and CDCR, hosted a six-week basketball clinic at the California State Prison (CSP) Solano. The program, aimed at decreasing recidivism rates, helps enhance the readiness of incarcerated individuals for life post-release.

“As we expand our rehabilitation efforts, collaboration is the key to success,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Teaming up with the Warriors and the Twinning Project is a perfect example of our commitment to creating programs that help incarcerated individuals prepare for the future while making California communities safer inside and outside of prisons.”

Over the course of the six-week four-hour sessions, participants engaged in discussions and collaborative basketball activities. The sessions focused on how to structure practice programs, coach with empathy, and motivate athletes through positive reinforcement.

Clinic is about more than basketball

“This program is about more than basketball – it’s about connection and hope,” said a coach from the Warrior’s Basketball Academy.

Twinning Project basketball clinic in a prison gymnasium.

Upon release, these individuals can apply the skills developed during the basketball clinic to various aspects of life, extending far beyond the court.

From careers in coaching, mentorship, or community engagement to building healthy relationships and contributing meaningfully to their families and communities, these skills empower participants to reintegrate into society as positive role models and agents of change.

“We think sports and recreation can help create opportunities for meaningful connections amongst our prison communities to successfully reintegrate back into the community upon their release,” said Heidi Wippel, CDCR’s Head of Physical Education and Recreation.

Story by Todd Javernick, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications

See what was in the news:

Golden State Warriors teach inmates to become basketball coaches

Warriors, non-profit partners teach basketball and life skills to incarcerated men | KTVU FOX 2

Warriors, Twinning Project, and The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Launch Program at California State Prison Solano | NBA.com