At the California Medical Facility (CMF), a state prison located approximately 55 miles from San Francisco, a weekly practice session serves as more than just physical exercise. Every Wednesday afternoon, incarcerated men gather in the facility’s gymnasium to participate in wheelchair basketball. The program, which launched publicly in late 2022, brings together individuals with physical disabilities and those without, using the sport as a tool for character rehabilitation and mental health support.
Establishing a Routine of Character and Connection
The sessions begin with a circle, a space where players can share personal news or offer motivation. Larry Roach, an incarcerated individual who serves as an “internal” coach, emphasizes the importance of effort, telling his teammates that drive is something that cannot be taught. Jeremiah Holland, who helped build the program, views the court as an environment where participants can practice being different versions of themselves. By navigating the physical and mental challenges of the game, players learn to manage frustration and build relationships in an otherwise isolated environment.
The Tactical Lessons of Wheelchair Basketball
The sport requires players to move beyond impulsive reactions. Because players cannot maneuver around defenders as they might in traditional basketball, they must stop, assess their options, and find a new route to the basket. Roach suggests that this tactical necessity mirrors life outside the gym. He notes that the game teaches participants to remain calm and identify the “next best option” when a previous path is blocked—a skill particularly relevant for those who grew up feeling they had few choices.
Institutional Support and the Second Chance Sports Act
California is increasingly integrating sports into its rehabilitation strategy. Holland, who has navigated administrative changes to keep the program running, attributes its longevity to community involvement, including bringing in outside experts and coaches to work with the incarcerated population.
Personal Transformations and Shared Histories
The program has also served as a catalyst for reconciliation. Larry Roach and Landon Jackson, who played together as children in South Sacramento before their paths diverged into gang violence, reunited at the CMF. After years of separation, they reconciled within the walls of the prison. Jackson, who does not have a disability, joined the team initially to assist those who needed help with their chairs or equipment. Jackson left the CMF in 2024, noting that the gym environment pushed players to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than violence.
Professional Coaching Expertise
The program benefits from the involvement of high-level coaches. Joe Chambers, a two-time Paralympian and one of the “external” coaches, serves alongside Mieko Chambers. Mieko, who acts as a head coach and also leads the Los Angeles Clippers Chairmen in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, helped Holland establish the CMF program. Her experience includes a gold medal as an assistant coach for the U.S. women’s under-25 wheelchair basketball team in 2019. Under their guidance, the program has fostered a culture of mutual respect, where players learn to support one another through personal crises, such as family concerns or health issues.
Status of the Program
Larry Roach was released from the California Medical Facility in mid-October 2026. The program continues to operate with a focus on character development and community-led mentorship, maintaining the structure established by Holland and the visiting coaching staff. Inmates like Steven “Scooby Doo” Davis and Quentin Murphy serve as co-captains, facilitating the weekly training sessions that serve as a cornerstone for the facility’s rehabilitative efforts.
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