Sedona Levy is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover Chapparal High School for AZPreps365.com

SCOTTSDALE —Chaparral High School funds its athletic programs through participation fees, booster club support, ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations. School sources say this approach is essential to sustain teams as costs rise. 

Student athletes pay by their “pay-to-play” fees which can range from $75 to over $200 per sport, depending on the program. These fees cover basic expenses but do not fully fund the athletic operations. 

Because Arizona high school athletes are not permitted to earn money through name, image, or deals, Chaparral relies heavily on outside support. There are booster clubs that play a bigger role in funding equipment, uniforms and team travel. The booster organizations offer donor packages, allowing contributors to support programs. 

Local businesses, including Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Banner Sports Medicine, Zipps Sports Grill and several others contribute through sponsorships. This often is advertised at the athletic facilities or recognition through team media. Ticket sales from home games also generate an additional revenue that helps offset costs such as officials, security and facility maintenance. 

For families, the financial commitment often extends beyond participation fees. Parents may be expected to contribute to fundraising efforts, donate directly or even help cover the travel expenses such as meals and lodging. 

“For some families, yes but for mine not at all," said Paul Long, a Chaparral parent and a Paradise Valley Public School teacher.” “Some programs have camps and clinics running all the time that players are expected to attend, but Chaparral doesn't do that which surprises me. Chaparral is a higher income area, and I'm a public school teacher.”

Community donations have funded significant facility improvements. In 2021, an anonymous donor gave more than $500,000 to install new field lighting for Chaparral’s baseball and softball fields. Upgrading the teams practice and competition times to later in the evening can improve the visibility and the safety for athletes and spectators. 

“Oh, I know, speaking for us. It's huge," said Troy Gerlach, Chaparral's head baseball coach. “We don't get a lot of money from our school for equipment or travel or anything like that so it's pretty much funded by our parents and our boosters which do a fantastic job. I mean our facility shows that.”

While large donations like that are usually uncommon, administrators say smaller contributions from families and supporters add up over time. Still, the reliance on fundraising can create disparities between programs. Teams that raise more money such as football, basketball, or baseball can have access to newer equipment or expanded travel opportunities, while others might have to keep a tighter budget.