School sports are supposed to be completely free for M-A students, however, many athletes still spend hundreds of dollars. Players are often required to purchase vital equipment or uniforms, while other costs, like team sweatpants or jackets, often feel necessary as a result of peer pressure. So, how much are student-athletes really spending?
Basketball
“When I looked at the amount I spent on basketball, it definitely opened my eyes. For a sport that really only needs shoes and a ball, I wouldn’t expect to spend a lot,” senior Trevor Cadigan said. While uniforms are provided for the team, the players purchase their own shoes. Cadigan has purchased two pairs of basketball shoes for the season, each costing between $120 and $150.
“Most people spend a lot on shoes, and many players end up buying multiple pairs of shoes every year for appearance’s sake but also to avoid wearing down a shoe really fast,” Cadigan said.
Dance
Team members are required to purchase their own makeup, hair products, and shoes—which are usually $70—for performances. Additionally, they are required to purchase undergarments, like $18 shorts and a $37 sports bra.
Revenue generated by the annual dance team show funds uniforms, sweatpants, and Boathouse jackets for dancers. “I was surprised that we didn’t have to purchase spirit wear ourselves, because my older sister, who was on a different sports team, had to,” senior Antonia Mille said. “My sister spent around $80 on her Boathouse and we didn’t have to pay anything for ours.”
Football
Football can be a completely free school sport. “Everything is free, so I would guess my teammates don’t spend anything,” senior Akhilles Jimenez said. “All the equipment was provided for me.” Game day khaki pants are required, but the school will step in if a player can not afford them.
Some football players spend more than others. Senior Devin Hyde has spent over $800 on M-A football equipment, proving that optional costs can quickly add up. “You are not required to purchase anything, but if you want, you can get gloves or armbands, and those are kind of a necessity,” Hyde said. In addition, equipment like cleats, helmets, and mouthguards can be bought or provided by the school. Athletes’ parents are asked to pay an optional $1500 for summer workouts and other “extras.” Despite how much Hyde has spent, he believes the team does a great job of getting equipment to all who need it.
Soccer
The school provides the soccer team with their own uniforms, socks, and jerseys, but players are required to buy their own cleats and shinguards. Cleats range from $50 to $250, and shin guards are roughly $15. “I was surprised by how expensive cleats could be,” said junior Anika Carpenter. “I haven’t heard of any options for people who can’t afford them, but I’m sure the school would provide something.”
Softball
“Softball is where the prices get insane,” varsity player Molly Rosen said. Athletes are recommended to buy their own gloves, which costs between $100 and $200. While M-A does provide gloves for those who do not buy them, they typically do not fit as well.
Additionally, players need to purchase a bat, which costs $300 to $400. Alternatives are available for those who can not purchase one. “We have a few new team bats that we get for the people on the team who can’t afford bats of their own, which is pretty amazing considering their price,” Rosen said.
Cleats cost around $50 to $100 dollars and must be purchased by the players. They are provided balls, uniforms and practice pants, but many players choose to buy their own clothing for about $20 to $50.
Tennis
Tennis players are required to have at least one racket, ranging from $50 to $300. Players are also responsible for restringing the racket when the strings break. “I spend money restringing rackets pretty often, because we play matches twice a week with two hour practices on the other days,” senior Aditya Kudaravalli said.
Most players like to use a racket bag, which costs around $50.
The girls’ tennis uniform includes a $68 Lululemon tank top, but a $20 Amazon alternative is also accepted. The shorts are from Amazon and cost $16.
Members of the boys’ team must purchase two jerseys, one for home games and one for away games, each roughly $50. “I was honestly surprised at the cost of the jerseys and shorts. I had to buy a jersey at the end of my freshman year, and then two more later on,” Kudaravalli said.
Many athletes face significant out-of-pocket expenses for essential equipment as well as optional gear. For example, sports like soccer and basketball have optionals like sweatpants or tracksuits that the players can buy out of pocket to represent their team. Whether it’s soccer cleats, tennis rackets, or sweatpants, these costs can add up quickly. To aid these athletes, efforts are made to support those who may struggle with the costs, with parents and the school stepping in to help when needed.
