Tomorrow marks a groundbreaking moment in the world of pickleball as the first official DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) event inside a prison takes place at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Connecticut. This historic occasion highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of pickleball, as well as the potential of the sport to inspire hope and transformation in unexpected places. At the forefront of this initiative is Angelo Rossetti, who has dedicated himself to sharing the game’s transformative power.

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The First DUPR Prison Event

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DUPR, the official global pickleball rating system, provides a fair and accurate measure of players’ skill levels. It has been instrumental in uniting the pickleball community by offering a universal standard for competition and progress tracking. By bringing this system into prisons, Rossetti is breaking new ground, creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals to engage with the sport in a meaningful way.

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“Pickleball is more than a game; it’s a way to inspire people and bring them hope,” said Rossetti, a certified pickleball coach.

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During tomorrow’s event, he will document games with pen and paper, following strict prison regulations that prohibit electronic devices. These results will later be entered into a DUPR digital club, preserving the anonymity of players while allowing them to track their progress. This event is a significant milestone in showcasing how pickleball’s universal rating system can bridge gaps and create connections, even within the walls of a correctional facility.

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Bringing Pickleball to Prisons

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A year ago, Rossetti was introduced to Pickleball for the Incarcerated League (PICL), a program founded by Sarah Gerstein, one of his former students who brought PICL to the state of Connecticut. PICL’s mission is to introduce pickleball to incarcerated individuals, providing them with a constructive outlet and a sense of community. Although initially hesitant after a daunting orientation, Rossetti honored his promise to help. His first visit to a correctional facility proved transformative, solidifying his commitment to the program.

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“When I first stepped into a prison for this program, I was intimidated. But that first session was transformative,” Rossetti shared.

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Rossetti now coaches at nearly all of Connecticut’s correctional institutions that can accommodate pickleball. His sessions emphasize more than just gameplay; they instill life lessons, resilience, and the power of controlling one’s attitude and effort. For many inmates, the program offers a rare source of hope and joy.

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From Racket Sports to Pickleball Pioneer

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Rossetti’s journey to this moment began with a lifelong love of racket sports, nurtured by his grandfather, who built a ping-pong table in his basement. Sundays after church were spent playing table tennis with his brother, Ettore, a partnership that would become the cornerstone of his athletic journey. Transitioning to tennis in high school, Angelo played competitively for the University of Connecticut’s Division 1 team.

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“Pickleball clicked for me when I saw how easily different ages and levels could play together,” said Rossetti.

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Pickleball entered his life six years ago, almost serendipitously. After giving tennis lessons to his daughter’s friends, Rossetti introduced them to pickleball in his driveway. The instant connection the young players felt to the sport ignited Rossetti’s curiosity. He recognized pickleball’s unique appeal—its accessibility for players of all ages and skill levels—and decided to shift his focus from tennis to pickleball full-time.

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“I’ve completed every certification out there because I want to be the best for the people I coach,” said Rossetti.

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Rossetti’s commitment to the sport has been extraordinary. This dedication also led to a Guinness World Record: on August 17, 2024, Rossetti and Ettore completed 10,532 consecutive volleys without a miss, raising funds for Save the Children. This accomplishment, alongside his earlier tennis world records, highlights the brothers’ philosophy of blending sport with purpose.

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A Family Bond Rooted in Sport

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Angelo’s bond with Ettore has been instrumental in his journey. The duo’s approach to sports transcends competition. They’ve always embraced the “infinite game”—playing for joy, improvement, and connection rather than simply to win. Their shared experiences, from childhood table tennis matches to world record pursuits, have fostered a relationship that Rossetti describes as deeper than typical sibling ties.

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“He’s my best friend, my confidant, my mentor,” Rossetti said, reflecting on his relationship with Ettore.

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Their connection has fueled many of their shared milestones, including their Guinness World Records and charity work. Ettore's unwavering support and shared love for racket sports have been a constant source of strength and motivation for Angelo. Together, they continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved through sport, both on and off the court.

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For Angelo, having Ettore by his side also means having someone to hold him accountable and challenge him to be better. It’s a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and the joy of shared successes, making their journey even more meaningful.

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Inspiring Through EAGLES and Effort

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Rossetti’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his acronym “EAGLES,” which stands for Effort, Attitude, Gratitude, Learning, Enjoyment, and Sportsmanship. He shares this mantra with inmates to encourage them to focus on controllable aspects of life and to play with freedom and joy. At one correctional facility, his teachings left such an impact that inmates painted a mural of two eagles alongside the acronym, symbolizing hope and inspiration.

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“Focus on your EAGLES: Effort, Attitude, Gratitude, Learning, Enjoyment, and Sportsmanship,” said Rossetti.

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The mural serves as a lasting testament to the impact Rossetti’s words and actions have had on the inmates. For many, the concept of EAGLES becomes more than just an acronym—it’s a framework for rebuilding their lives, even within the constraints of incarceration. It reminds them of their capacity to grow, adapt, and find joy in the small victories.

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This philosophy also reflects Rossetti’s broader mission: to teach life lessons through pickleball. Whether on the court or in life, focusing on controllable factors helps players—and people—find peace and purpose despite challenges.

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Changing Lives with Pickleball

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While many of the inmates Rossetti coaches may never be released, his efforts are making a tangible difference. One standout player, who is set to reenter society, represents the potential for programs like PICL to bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration. Rossetti envisions a future where more inmates can use their pickleball skills to connect with communities outside prison walls.

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“This is about more than pickleball—it’s about changing lives,” said Rossetti.

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Tomorrow’s DUPR event marks a significant step forward. It not only highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of pickleball but also demonstrates how a universal rating system can foster connections in the most unexpected places. As Rossetti continues his work, his story serves as a powerful reminder of pickleball’s potential to change lives, one rally at a time.

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Photo Credit: Tyler Russell/Connecticut Public

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