In the heart of Solano State Prison, an extraordinary transformation is happening, and it’s wearing Warriors jerseys. The Golden State Warriors have stepped up to do more than just play basketball – they’re literally changing lives through their groundbreaking Twinning Project.

Ray Woodfork’s story reads like a redemption screenplay. Once an aspiring college basketball player derailed by a tragic mistake, he’s now using the skills he learned from Warriors coaches to navigate prison life with dignity and purpose. When confronted with a potential fight, Woodfork chose de-escalation over aggression – a radical act in an environment where survival often seems synonymous with confrontation.

Coaching Beyond the Court

The program isn’t just about basketball fundamentals; it’s about human rehabilitation. Participants learn mental resilience techniques like the “palms down” approach – a metaphorical and literal way to stay calm and focused. These men aren’t just learning how to coach basketball; they’re learning how to coach themselves through life’s most challenging moments.

Healing Through Hoops

What makes this program revolutionary is its holistic approach. By providing structure, purpose, and genuine human connection, the Warriors are doing what traditional rehabilitation systems often fail to do: seeing incarcerated individuals as humans capable of growth and transformation.

From Inmates to Mentors

The ultimate goal isn’t just personal transformation, but creating a ripple effect. These newly certified coaches are expected to mentor other incarcerated individuals, turning their hard-earned wisdom into a tool for collective healing. It’s restorative justice in sneakers and basketball shorts.

Woodfork, who now works as a drug and alcohol counselor, puts it perfectly: “This is an opportunity to show the world I’m not the person I was. It doesn’t define me”.