Least Expensive

Cross-country and track runner, Ke’Niah Collins (12) is a 2nd year member of the cross-country team. Although she has only spent two years on the team, she has been running for much longer. 

“I wanted to run [cross-country] to get in shape for track season since I’m a distance runner and I was convinced by friend who ran cross-country to join,” Collins (12) said.

Although, pursuing another long-distance sport means added costs; ones Collins could afford, fortunately. 

Affordable

Number 12, Caleb Gonzales (11), is a quarterback on the ZHS Varsity football team. Enjoying the adrenaline rush and free mind that comes with playing football, Gonzales decided to pursue the nation’s most popular sport, 12 years ago. Furthermore, the brotherhood of the team inspires Gonzales to progress his skills and encourage his teammates to do better themselves. 

Contrary to what one may think, playing football doesn’t break the bank; at least not Gonzales’. 

“Football jerseys, practice clothing, and pads cost around $200. Depending on what you want, you can easily find football-related [gear] for a relatively low cost,” Gonzales (11) said.

Therefore, Gonzales has never had a problem purchasing football gear.

Especially due to the increased availability of stock online and variety of options.

“

The only way the money builds up on you, is if you don’t get your fundraiser money turned in. Then, you have to pay the remaining amount you didn’t make.

— Caleb Gonzales

In his opinion, it’s affordable to play football annually.

Moderately Expensive 

Remi Quibodeaux (12) is a 3rd year player on the ZHS Volleyball team.  

Since fourth grade, when Quibodeaux first started playing, she’s been gradually improving her skills to make varsity. 

“Freshman year is the worst because you have to buy all the gear and equipment. This year I only had to rebuy sweatpants, sweatshirts, and socks,” Quibodeaux (12) said. 

Of the thousand, Quibodeaux pays $10 for socks, which must be replaced regularly, $400 for the mandatory calendar fundraiser, and Nike-branded practice clothing, uniforms, spandex, and equipment. 

Failing to raise $400 results in no pre-game meals for the entire season! Such vendors include Raising Canes and Walk-Ons, provided by Coach Perry, using fundraiser money. 

Most Expensive 

David Gaines (12) is the captain of the ZHS swim team. Trying out for middle school swim in 6th grade, Gaines didn’t make the team, and trained the following year to be properly equipped for the rigorous aquatic sport. This allowed him to make the team in 7th grade and ever since, swim has been his first love. 

Shockingly, swimming is arguably the most expensive sport—a high price tag for Gaines’ passion.  

“The average price is $300-$400 for equipment, suits, etc. Practice suits are usually $30-$50 and goggles are $20-$30,” Gaines (12) said. 

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Expenses for replacements must be added to the yearly swim budget, at an astonishing rate. 

“Most people go through 5-6 practice suits a year and goggles snap spontaneously, so they are a constant purchase throughout the year. Kickboards, paddles, and buoys start at $100 and if they break or go out, [I] have to buy them again,” Gaines (12) said. 

And yet, it doesn’t stop there. Monthly fees are a regular expense to swim in certain clubs and for school, starting at a minimum of $100! 

In summary, one can spend $1000 on club memberships and race fees! 

“[It] can be a burden. With goggles snapping regularly and having to replace suits and equipment, the small purchases that are necessary for swimming can add up and become a big burden [when] swim[ing] for years,” Gaines (12) said. 

It’s safe to say swim is definitely on the expensive side.