Sports programs at San Quentin have lasted for more than 120 years and they have played a key part not only in rehabilitation, but also in the renewal of mental stability of the incarcerated community.

“After the death of a female friend, I became a drug addict at age 14,” said Jorge Lopez, 36, a point guard for the San Quentin Warriors. “Playing basketball truly helps my mental health, it keeps me engaged and helps with my sobriety.” 

Lopez said he had sought validation and acceptance while in seventh grade. He had tried to take his life and had ended up in a psychological-evaluation ward. Afterward, he started playing basketball, which helped him get through that stage. “Basketball saved my life,” Lopez said.

According to Lopez, the comprehensive sports programs at San Quentin have the potential to bring out the best in the residents, reacquainting them with the sports they had played in their youth, and in doing so, giving residents a chance to reconnect to their athletic process, as if they had never passed up the opportunities of their youth.

“Being in prison, where it can be very violent, being able to meet new people and see how playing sports is changing their lives, is the reason why it’s important to have sports in prison,” said Resident Malik Cutrer, 29, a defensive back for the San Quentin Niners.

Cutrer praised San Quentin administration for noting the rehabilitation value of sports and for having made the correct decision to offer many programs, from the novice level to the expert level.

“Loving the game and learning more about the sport,” said Cutrer, would “let me take that coaching home, and teach my sons, and other youth so they don’t ever have to see the inside of a prison.”

Jose Maya, 25, a wide receiver for the San Quentin Niners, said he relied on the influence of positive programming and its effect on his rehabilitation.

“Playing sports at San Quentin has given me a sense of normalcy, the power of sports has been very positive for my mental health,” Maya said.

The rehabilitative value of San Quentin sports programs have also influenced the recreational staff.

Kuntal Bhatt, the Physical Education Teacher at SQRC, also known as Coach Bhatt, has served as P.E.T. at San Quentin for seven years. Bhatt, a former public school teacher, used to work as a vocational computer technology instructor.

“To help these men figure out their place in life is key,” said Bhatt. “It has taught me patience and to learn how to react to every situation. This job has affected my mental health positively and has even helped me in my personal life as well.”

Bhatt said that whenever he has gone on vacation, he has communicated with sponsors about keeping this sports program going forward. He said the impact of sports has taught him about the importance of not leaving anyone behind while caring about the betterment of fellow humans, despite their past.

Donell Pimton, 30, a player for the San Quentin Warriors, said he fell in love with basketball at the age of nine. Pimton said that upon arriving at San Quentin, joining the San Quentin Warriors seemed a “no-brainer.”

“Seeing the family-type of vibe at the facility, and having a feeling of that sense of love, honestly I was all in,” Pimton said. “Basketball has taught me to never give up, to always trust the process. It gives me the mental tools to succeed when I return to society.”