Club sports: Options, expenses both expand for girls

Editor's note: This is the second in a three-part series exploring the rising costs of youth sports and college sports opportunities.

Admit it. That day at the hospital when the doctor looked at you and said, "It's a girl," thoughts of makeup, hairdos, manicures, ballet recitals and cheerleading went through your head. Little did you know that with today's advances in women's athletics you would be spending nearly all of your free time at the soccer pitch, softball diamond, basketball or volleyball court.

"I love watching her play," said Gary James, whose daughter Taylor plays softball. "We gave her a choice if she wanted to go to dance or play softball, and she didn't hesitate a second before she said she wanted to play softball. I think it made her mom a little sad since she was a cheerleader in high school, but once you see her out there playing, you can't help but smile."

That smile could quickly turn upside down should Taylor make a competitive club softball team and James gets the bills for it. Soon, dad's pride could turn into dad's debt.

"I really couldn't believe it could cost that much for my little girl to play," said David Stephens of his daughter Tammie's expenses for her volleyball club. "There are fees for this and fees for that, and that is before she says, 'Dad, we are going to Las Vegas for a tournament and I need another $400. Oh, and my knee pad tore at practice so I need a new one.' I am into this volleyball thing a couple of thousand dollars over the last year and a half."

While the expenses pile up, there are those on the other side that are trying to both make a living and give the athletes the best possible experiences while playing. Utah Rush coach Jamie Schock is a full-time paid soccer coach either with the club or for Juan Diego High School.

"I am happy with what I do," Schock said. "Not that I need to justify my getting paid to coach a team, but if you look at it like any other lessons a kid can take, it is going to cost something. You pay someone to give him piano or violin lessons. A tutor for school costs money, so when we get together and train, I am giving my expertise or experience to a player, and it is the same thing."

Expenses to play with the Rush vary depending on the level and year, but for the premier team, which Schock coaches, it can cost a pretty penny. First, there is a $185 club fee each year. There is a coach's fee, which can range from $30-$65 per-month depending on the coach and the coach's level of certifications.