Beyond tennis, the costs associated with participating in sports have surged significantly in recent years. Fueled by advancements in technology and amplified media exposure, athletes are increasingly drawn to top-of-the-line, and therefore, pricier equipment to enhance their performance. 

"The Aspen Institute, through its Project Play initiative, looked at research from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association that found that in 2018, only 38% of kids aged 6 to 12 played team sports on a regular basis -- down from 45% a decade earlier. The Aspen Institute found the average amount of spending on sports was approximately $692. That's per child, per sport, and per year" (Cohen). While this study specifically focuses on children aged 6-12, it underscores a crucial point: early exposure to sports significantly impacts the likelihood of individuals developing a passion and commitment to a particular sport later in life. 

In their desire to provide their children with the chance to engage in sports, a staggering 60% of families find themselves grappling with financial burdens. 11% contemplate taking on debt to support their child's athletic pursuits. Despite the perception that budgeting for sports may be straightforward, the reality is far more daunting, as evidenced by statistics revealing that most families will spend upwards of $600 per child solely on equipment and attire alone (Shiff).

Tennis, initially rooted in a realm of prestige, has flourished into a beloved sport of countless lives. Its evolution has rendered it a significant cultural phenomenon, enriching the lives of many. "This sport is a great way for young athletes to be active, learn tennis and life skills, as well as make friends and stay fit" (Ronney).  As one of the most quiet, yet demanding sports in the modern day, tennis teaches individuals the importance of independence and mental strength. It provides athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills in one-on-one competition, all while fostering a cohesive team dynamic beyond the matches. As tennis enrollment dwindles in many high schools, incoming students who are uncertain about which sport to try should consider giving it a chance. You may just surprise yourself with the true joy and rewarding experience this sport grants its players.

Beyond the confines of the school grounds, tennis athletes shoulder the responsibility of financing the bulk of their equipment, encompassing essential items such as rackets, shoes, and specialized attire. Moreover, the substantial expense of tennis lessons constitutes a significant portion of the financial burden. Given that coaching fees can range anywhere from $45 to well over $100 per hour, serious athletes often strive to alleviate the strain of these costs as much as possible. The most expensive cost will likely be your racket. "You could go out and buy a $10 racket off eBay, but I’m assuming you’ll want to buy a new racket of good quality. Any decent adult tennis racket is going to cost you at least $150" (Walner).

The Millikan tennis program admirably strives to maximize opportunities for athletes to receive the necessary training they need for competitiveness. Offering complimentary summer camps, access to courts after school hours, and weekend drop-in clinics, our dedicated coaches work to broaden the accessibility of the sport to all interested individuals. While these initiatives undoubtedly enhance exposure, they may not fully bridge the gap for athletes facing financial constraints beyond these avenues.

To ensure that our team reaches its full potential, it is imperative that we proactively address circumstances that may hinder participation due to financial limitations that are not always apparent. Consequently, I have committed myself to fundraising and assisting my peers whenever feasible, recognizing the importance of collective support in fostering inclusivity and excellence among our tennis community.

Cohen, Kelly. "Kids Aren't Playing Enough Sports. The Culprit? Cost." ESPN, 11 August 2019, https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/27356477/kids-playing-enough-sports-culprit-cost. 

Ronney, Karen. "SCTA Foundation Kicks Off Fundraiser to Send 250 Kids to Tennis Camps." SCTA Foundation, https://sctafoundation.org/2021/09/24/scta-foundation-kicks-off-fundraiser-to-send-250-kids-to-tennis-camps/.

Shiff, Molly. "Nearly 60% Of Families Say Youth Sports are a "financial strain"--3 Ways to Budget for Them." CNBC Make It, 15 October 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/15/nearly-60percent-of-families-say-youth-sports-are-a-financial-strain.html. 

Walner, Chad. "How Much Does it Cost to Play Tennis?" Serve And Volley Tennis, 23 March 2020, 

https://serveandvolleytennis.com/how-much-does-it-cost-   to-play-tennis/.