The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center hosted it second pickleball event between staff and residents the on July1.
The first pickleball tournament was in May 2023 it was the first “Bridging the Gap” event that bought staff and residents together.
“Today shows community and sharing what it’s like on the outside — meeting people and not judging players for their past history or rap sheet,” said SQRC psychiatrist Dr. Deal. “You don’t need anything, just show up with a good attitude.”
Participants in the July exhibition noted the importance of sports in rehabilitation.
“It feels normal playing with residents,” said Lisa, a worker in the dental clinic for the last five years. “I’ve seen things happening and see everyone improving. People play the game because pickleball is very addicting. I know, as I’ve played for four years.”
Resident Jose Maya said the rules of pickleball included “staying out of the ‘kitchen’” — the boxes by the net. “You can’t step in the kitchen or hit the ball in it during a volley.”
He added, players received points in the same way they would in tennis or volleyball: whenever an opponent could not return service or whenever the ball might bounce out of bounds.
“The events make the atmosphere more comfortable,” resident Codi Slayton said. “I come out because I’m for breaking down walls and stigmas. Rubbing shoulders with staff will not be looked down on as events like this eliminates negativity. Today, I don’t see staff as enemies.”
May 10, San Quentin also held a pickleball tournament, which outside volunteers and organizers Ade H. and Diane Kahn played in the competition with the residents. Kahn noted that participation between staff, volunteers and the residents prepare them mentally and emotionally to return to society.
“I believe in second chances for the incarcerated, and I see [incarcerated] people like humans not how the news dehumanizes them. There’s more that binds us together then sets us apart,” said Kahn. “The motivation in the residents is apparent not only in sport, but also in education as I observed while teaching here since 2017.”
Twelve teams, each with two players, competed in the May championship playing on four courts.
“Sports brings people together and is a key [element] of our rehabilitation,” said first place finisher, resident Frank Igros. “It was an extreme pleasure to participate. My wife and children play and I play tennis and ping pong, so [I see] its similarities.”
Resident and co-winner Chris Moore added, “Pickleball, like tennis, teaches me about being supportive, and positive. It lets me look for the best in others.”
– Adan Arriaga and Jason Satterfield contributed to this story
