Over the years there have been several stories of pickleball being taught in prisons as a way to build community and provide a physical outlet for those behind bars.
The Washington Post reported that more states have begun incorporating it into the daily lives of inmates.
A recent story from Intopickleball caught our attention and we thought it was worth sharing.
It's a story about Al Rodriguez and his wife, Rita Taylor-Rodriguez, and how they used their love for pickleball to coach prisoners.
A love for pickleball begins a coaching journey
Al and Rita's coaching journey began with a mutual love for pickleball. "We both fell in love with the sport so much that Rita wanted to start a mission to get as many folks introduced to it as possible," Al explains.
Both certified under the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), they decided to focus on beginners, finding immense satisfaction in teaching the basics of the game. Their first experience coaching children solidified their partnership as effective coaches, offering a welcome escape from their high-stress sales careers.
A surprising turn
Their volunteer work took an unexpected turn when they attended a concert at the Pac Unit in Navasota, organized by Eric Genius of Concerts for Hope. At the concert, they discovered pickleball courts painted on the recreation area floor, a project spearheaded by Warden Moises Villalobos.
Intrigued and eager to help, Al and Rita volunteered to coach the prisoners. "We had thirty-six inmates lined up listening eagerly to our instruction," Al recalls.
Their efforts culminated in an in-prison tournament, further embedding pickleball in the inmates' lives.
Teaching in a prison was an eye-opening experience for Al and Rita. Initially nervous about entering the prison environment, their apprehension quickly faded as they interacted with the warden, guards, and prisoners.
"The judicial system has already tried them; we’re not there to do that," Al notes. The warm reception they received, including handmade wooden commemorative paddles, left a lasting impression on them.
Future plans and community building
Looking ahead, Al and Rita plan to expand their prison coaching efforts. "The warden at the Pac Unit would like to start tournaments amongst other prisons," Al shares.
Rita continues to travel across South Texas for work, always ready to volunteer her coaching skills wherever she finds a court. Their ongoing mission is to spread the joy of pickleball and foster a sense of community.
Pickleball connects
Al believes that pickleball's inclusive nature is what makes it so special. "It is a sport that anyone can play regardless of their fitness level," he says.
The community aspect is strong, with players of all ages and backgrounds coming together. The willingness of players to help each other learn and share equipment exemplifies the sport's unifying spirit. "It is truly the sport that brings people from opposite sides together," Al concludes.
Anyone who has played pickleball and built friendships through the pickleball community can certainly appreciate the work being done by people like Al and Rita.
Let's hope we see more stories like this one in the future.
