BEFORE YOU MAKE THE TEAM #1 – ASK HOW THE PROCESS WORKS: Walk-ons generally join the team in two ways, either as a preferred walk-on or through a tryout. A preferred walk-on doesn’t have to tryout—they are borderline offers, favors for influential people or players from successful prep programs. Players that must tryout (MUST already be enrolled in classes …
Walk-Ons
Q: How can I become a preferred walk-on?
A: Walk-ons make the team in two ways: as a preferred walk-on or through a tryout. Believe it or not, walk-on spots at many schools are just as competitive as scholarship spots—they are very limited! To become a preferred walk-on, coaches need to see you play—either in person, or on video. For any roster spot, coaches are looking for size, …
Q: When should I contact a coach about walking on to the team?
A: Within many programs, walk-on slots are just as competitive as scholarship spots. Many teams have children of former players, boosters and university staff on their roster as walk-ons. If you think your opportunity will come as a walk-on, it’s best to approach coaches in the same way a scholarship player would with game film and their Student-Athlete Resume, and …
Q: If I walk-on and am good, can I eventually earn scholarship money and/or get playing time?
A: Yes, if you are able to provide quality backup minutes to a starter, you will probably earn playing time and possibly a scholarship – but it may take you a few seasons. I’ve worked with walk-ons who saw significant playing time, who earned scholarships and who were major contributors to the team, but they were players who put in …
Signed, Sealed & Delivered: Advice for Scholarship Signees and Invited Walk-Ons
The NLI is signed! But… this is not the end of the process for you– it’s just the beginning: #1– No matter how talented you are, you didn’t get to this point alone. Now is the time to thank your parents, siblings, coaches, family members, mentors, teammates and friends who have helped and supported you along the way. #2– No …
Do Walk-Ons Ever Earn Scholarship Money?
If you are a contributing member of the team who works their way into a starting position or who makes major contributions in-games and has earned a significant role with consistent playing time, there is a good chance your coach may award you with some scholarship money as a senior or junior —but it’s not guaranteed. Making the team as …