WOODBURY- While most athletes at Nonnewaug settle for standard issued gear, the Chiefs baseball team is stepping onto the field in Professional eye catching custom uniforms. Behind the royal blue white strips and names printed on the back is a great funding program driven by players, coaches and parents, but what if this tradition could extend beyond baseball? Could other teams adopt it-and would the community support new ideas?
The question is already gaining interest among staff and students who would like to similarly see other sports take on fundraising opportunities in order to outfit their team with new uniforms as well.
Kyle Tehan, a teacher and baseball coach for Nonnewaug high schools, strongly supports the idea of spreading baseball traditions to other sports.
“It would be a great idea,” Tehan said. “In baseball it gives our player a choice of what they want to wear; and when they feel comfortable in what they’re wearing they tend to prepare more and play at a higher level.”
In addition to boosting performance, Tehan believes the change could promote equality across athletic programmes. When asked about if the school board and principal would support these equal opportunities, Tehan answered confidently “Oh yeah definitely.”
However, not everyone is without reservation.
Principal Mykal Kuslis expressed cautious support, noting potential financial concerns. Last year’s school budget, which failed twice before finally passing, saw cuts across the board, athletics included.
“I would definitely support the idea of custom uniforms,” Kuslis said. “I don’t know exactly how baseball manages it, but I’d be interested in learning more. My concern is the cost of buying new uniforms every year or keeping up with changing styles could be difficult for some families.”
Despite these concerns, research and athlete experience suggests that personalized uniforms can have a measurable impact. Comfortable, well-fitting gear can boost confidence.
For players like Brayden Whipple, a back-to-back Nonnewaug baseball captain, the impact is personal.
“I love it,” Whipple said. “I don’t just represent the school, I represent myself. The jersey makes me feel comfortable and more confident.”
That sense of identity and pride is echoed by the coaching stuff.
Kyle Brennan, a faculty member and coach at NHS, says the tradition has been a meaningful part of the program.
“It’s been a special experience,” Brennan said. “I’ve seen so many players come through Nonnewaug wearing their names on their jerseys, and it creates a strong sense of pride. The tradition started long before I joined the staff, but I’m proud to be part of it today.”
As the conversation continues, the idea of custom uniforms expanding to other sports could be an exciting possibility, one that could reshape not only how teams look, but how they feel and perform.
