The flying part is what would get to me.
Last year flying was only required for two tournaments, Nationals and Sparkler/Fireworks. Living in Socal it is very easy to play a very competitive travel tournament circuit with driving only.
The flying part is what would get to me.
I'm with you on this one. DD does not wear cleats to or from the field. She does not wear her BB shoes outside of the court. These shoes take enough of a beating on the field or floor and she has plenty of bum around sneakers or crocs to wear before and after.
Softball has given her an appreciation for dedication and sacrifice and all-out effort. She knows she works harder than most of her peers, and her mom and I encourage her to do just that--in the classroom, on the stage, and in the cage. When I spend money on softball, I'm investing--not in a college scholarship, but in helping a young woman build a foundation on which much of her future success will stand. If she gets a scholarship, be it academic, or musical, or athletic, great. Any one will be attributable to the time and money all of us have spent to grow the person. The time we spend together alone in the cage and with the "team family" all summer is invaluable. Any bucket dad will tell you the same thing. The real answer--Thousands. A bargain at twice the price.