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

SCOTTSDALE — Chaparral High School’s baseball program supports players who lack access to the costly training and exposure opportunities that increasingly determine success in the sport.

With club teams, private instruction and showcase tournaments now central to college recruiting, many athletes cannot afford to participate in them. Chaparral coaches are focused on closing this gap by offering as many resources as possible within the school program.

“We just try to provide as much as we can here at the school within our program,” head coach Trooy Gerlach said. “There are some guys who can get all the resources they need, but there are others who can’t, so we try to make sure everyone has access to what we can offer.”

Gerlach said the program removes financial barriers whenever possible, including waiving participation fees. Coaches also dedicate extra time outside scheduled practices to support player development.

“We don’t charge our players anything,” Gerlach said.“We coach them because we love the game and we love our players. We spend countless hours out here when nobody sees it, for no pay at all, just trying to help them become the best versions of themselves.”

For some players, resource disparities are evident in their daily routines.

Pitcher Devin Long said his schedule often begins before sunrise and ends well after practice, balancing school, baseball, and limited access to transportation.

“On my busiest days, we’ll get up and have a 6 a.m. lift with the team,” Long said. “Then I’ll go shower at my friend’s house because I don’t have a car. After that, it’s school, then practice starting around 1:20, and we go until about 4:30.”

Long said his evenings are dedicated to additional training and recovery to keep pace with players who have greater resources.

“When I get home, it’s dinner, more throwing, arm care, and getting ready to do it all again the next day,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Chaparral players remain committed to competing at the next level. Coaches believe this dedication helps narrow the gap, even if it cannot fully close it.

The program’s approach reflects a broader reality in high school baseball, where opportunity often depends as much on financial means as on talent. Some athletes gain exposure through year-round development, while others rely on school programs and personal effort to remain competitive.

At Chaparral, this effort is evident long after the final out, as a few players stay on the field taking extra swings at sunset, continuing to pursue their goals despite unequal advantages.