The San Quentin tennis team offers prisoners a unique opportunity to connect with the outside community, filmmaker Rex Miller discovered after a return visit with the players. Miller, under contract with the Tennis Channel, had filmed the team’s exhibition match against one of the world’s top doubles team, the Bryan brothers, in September, and came back for a week in early January to interview the players for an upcoming documentary.
He captured a wide range of perspectives about tennis and about life in San Quentin. “I discussed why I was in prison and why it is important to be able to play sports in prison,” said team member Chris Schuhmacher. “We are people who are going back into society.”
Playing tennis with people from the outside “enables us to socialize with other people and teaches us values,” he added. “We enjoy splitting up the teams because it removes the ‘us verses them’ attitude. It gets us ready for society.”
The players know they are fortunate to have the opportunity. “The difference between San Quentin and other prisons is it has lots of programs, and we’re able to intermingle with members of society,” said player Henry “MC” Montgomery. “We get to play the best players in the world and colleges. We receive training from professionals.”
They’re also hoping to extend their team spirit beyond the court. “On the surface, the perception of the tennis team is that we are a happy family,” said Orlando Harris. “However, this is not the case. Rarely do we interact with one another after we leave the tennis court. We are attempting to change this attitude. We are supposed to be one team, promoting unity and camaraderie.”
Miller said the time he spent with the team changed his perspective on prisoners. “Things aren’t always what they seem,” he said. “What is interesting is peeling back the layers – by the fifth or sixth day you learn that this place is far different than you originally thought.”
