A walk-on athlete is someone who participates on a college team without holding a scholarship. It means that the athlete is on the team and receives no form of athletic financial aid. Walk-ons are not recruited and awarded an athletic scholarship, but they can try out for a college program with or without the coachs support. There are different types of walk-on statuses, and each program uses walk-ons differently, so there is no single way to best describe it. However, here are some common experiences that might give you a better idea:
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Playing time is harder to come by: There is no denying the fact that a coach is going to have a bias towards his scholarship players. This means that walk-ons may have to work harder to earn playing time.
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No guaranteed roster spot: Unlike scholarship players, walk-ons are not guaranteed a roster spot. They have to earn their spot on the team through tryouts and hard work.
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Can earn a scholarship: While walk-ons are not offered athletic aid, they can earn a scholarship for their performance on the team.
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Preferred walk-on status: This is the highest status a recruit can get outside of receiving an athletic scholarship. Preferred walk-ons will go into college with a roster spot secured, receive a uniform, and have a strong chance of competing for playing time their first year.
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Dependable member of the team: There are times where a walk-on will be a dependable member of the team's practice and scout teams for several years. If a team has an extra scholarship, it may award it to the player as a token of appreciation for their hard work and devotion to the team, although the player may never actually play in a game.
Overall, being a walk-on athlete has its pros and cons, but it can be a great opportunity for athletes who are passionate about their sport and willing to work hard to earn their spot on the team.
