Twinning Project finishes second Solano session

March 11, 2025

The Golden State Warriors, collaborating with the Twinning Project and CDCR, recently completed its second basketball clinic at California State Prison (CSP)-Solano.

Designed to offer incarcerated individuals more than just basketball skills, the program provided participants with valuable life lessons such as teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution.

“We use basketball as a catalyst for change,” said Hilton Freund, Global Executive Officer of the Twinning Project. “We deliver up-skilling and employability life skills through the power of sports.”

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Breaking down barriers, building stronger community

The program drives a culture shift by breaking down barriers and fostering a stronger, more rehabilitative incarceration community. This shift enhances individuals’ lives and contributes to creating a more positive environment within correctional facilities.

“Getting more programs like this into the facility will definitely continue that culture shift,” said CSP-Solano acting Warden Janan Cavagnolo. “We are all working toward that common goal.”

Solano coaches play key role

CSP-Solano athletic programs, led by CDCR coaches Angel Solorio and Michael Hansen, have a long history of providing quality competition for the incarcerated population. These two coaches consistently run quality gym programs and vibrant volunteer initiatives.

Headquarters Athletic Coach Heidi Wippel said she was confident CSP-Solano was the perfect fit for the Twinning Project. She credits the strong foundation established by the coaches prior to the project.

Expanding to female institutions

Due to the success of the Twinning Project at a men’s facility, there are plans to explore expansion opportunities to CDCR’s two female institutions. Interest has come from several professional women’s sports teams, including the Golden State Valkyries, Angel City FC, and the Los Angeles Sparks.

While women represent less than 5 percent of the incarcerated population, Wippel is working to ensure they are not overlooked. She began her career with the department at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.

“With the rise of women’s sports, it’s important we provide that mirror to culture in society, adhering to the normalization principles of the California Model. We’re looking to roll out a similar project in the 2025-26 fiscal year,” said Wippel.

Story by Todd Javernick, information officer
Video by Richard Tan, TV specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications