What are "walk-on" athletes?

"Walk-on" athletes are defined as student-athletes who join a college or university athletic team without receiving a formal athletic scholarship. This means they participate in the program without the financial support typically associated with full or partial athletic scholarships. Walk-ons often demonstrate a strong commitment to their sport and the team despite not having scholarship support initially.

They usually go through the same tryout processes as recruited athletes, and if they prove themselves capable during practices or competitions, they may earn the chance to compete at a collegiate level. In some cases, walk-ons can later be awarded scholarships based on their performance and contributions to the team. This phenomenon highlights the dedication and passion many student-athletes have for their sport, even when that dedication doesn’t come with immediate financial assistance.