Video by The Tribune. Coach Teaches Pickleball To Inmates At SLO Prison. ‘It’s Addicting.’
🤝 Building Community Behind Bars
At facilities from San Quentin to the Worcester County House of Correction, pickleball is proving to be more than a pastime. It has become a practical tool for rehabilitation. First introduced inside prison walls in 2017, the sport spread quickly because it is accessible, social, and easy to learn.
Unlike basketball, which often favors taller or more athletic players, pickleball relies on timing and finesse. That makes it welcoming to a wider range of participants. The game brings people together across age, skill level, and even gang lines, sometimes alongside correctional staff, helping build connections that extend into daily life.
💡 A Game for Everyone
In Worcester County, Massachusetts, pickleball took root after enthusiast Bill McConaghy approached Sheriff Lew Evangelidis with the idea of bringing the sport to the jail’s STOP unit, which focuses on addiction recovery and behavioral skills.
The sheriff was skeptical at first, but the change on the court was clear. Players relaxed, worked as a team, and supported one another. “They’re different people on that court,” he said. The program has since become so popular that it now functions as a behavioral incentive. Misconduct means losing pickleball privileges, a consequence inmates are motivated to avoid.
Video by Chronicle 5 WCVB. Promoting pickleball behind bars.
📈 Expanding a Movement
These efforts are part of PICL, the Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities League. Now active in 10 states and 40 facilities, the program aims to reduce behavioral incidents during incarceration and lower recidivism after release. Participants report higher morale, less negativity, and a rare sense of camaraderie. Staff support, from setting up cameras to joining games, has played a key role in helping these programs succeed.
From breaking down barriers to preparing people for life after prison, PICL shows how a simple paddle and ball can spark meaningful change. Even in the toughest environments, teamwork continues to prove its value as a source of stability, connection, and a healthier path forward.
