A Canadian high school athlete watches an NCAA game on TV, dreaming of competing at the collegiate level. But what if they don’t receive a scholarship offer? Is their NCAA dream over?
Not at all. Many athletes earn spots on NCAA teams as walk-ons—players who join a team without an athletic scholarship. Walking on can be a viable pathway for Canadian athletes, especially those who are late bloomers, under-recruited, or overlooked by college scouts.
If you’re determined to compete at the NCAA level but haven’t received a scholarship offer, here’s how you can walk on to NCAA teams and earn your spot.
What is a Walk-On in NCAA Sports?
A walk-on athlete is a player who joins an NCAA team without receiving an athletic scholarship. There are two types:
Recruited Walk-Ons – Coaches invite these athletes to join the team but don’t offer a scholarship.
Tryout Walk-Ons (True Walk-Ons) – Athletes try out for a spot on the roster without prior recruitment.
Both paths can lead to earning playing time and even a scholarship in future years.
Why Walking On is a Great Option for Canadian Athletes
Many Canadian athletes face recruitment challenges due to limited exposure compared to U.S. athletes. Walking on gives them a second chance to prove they belong on an NCAA team.
Advantages of walking on:
Opportunity to compete at the NCAA level even without a scholarship
Chance to earn a scholarship later based on performance
Smaller roster sports have higher walk-on chances (cross-country, rowing, track & field)
You control your recruitment journey, not just coaches’ decisions
How to Walk-On to NCAA Teams Without a Scholarship
Research Programs with Walk-On Opportunities
Not all NCAA teams have room for walk-ons. Some programs actively recruit walk-ons, while others have strictly limited rosters.
Steps to research walk-on programs:
Check team rosters – Look for athletes listed without scholarships.
Visit the team’s website – Some schools publish walk-on policies.
Email the coach – Ask if the program allows walk-ons.
Contact Coaches Before Tryouts
Even as a walk-on, you should contact coaches early to express interest. A well-crafted email can increase your chances of getting an opportunity.
Example email:
Coach [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [Your Sport] athlete from [Your City, Province]. I am very interested in playing for [College Name] and would love the opportunity to walk on to your team.
I have attached my highlight video and athletic resume, and I would appreciate any guidance on your walk-on process. Please let me know if I could attend a tryout or showcase my skills at an upcoming event.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,[Your Full Name]
[Your Graduation Year]
[Your Contact Information]
Prepare for Tryouts Like It’s a Scholarship Offer
Walk-on tryouts are highly competitive. Coaches often only take 1-2 players from open tryouts. You need to be at your best.
Tips to dominate walk-on tryouts:
Be in peak physical shape
Study the team’s play style and match your game to their system
Arrive early, be coachable, and show hustle
Bring a highlight video and athletic resume
Stay Persistent and Be Ready to Prove Yourself
Walking on is only the first step—you still have to earn playing time. Many walk-ons redshirt their first year, meaning they train with the team but don’t compete in games.
How to stand out as a walk-on:
Train harder than scholarship athletes—outwork everyone
Be a great teammate—coaches love players who bring positive energy
Stay patient—many walk-ons earn scholarships after their first or second year
Example: How a Canadian Walk-On Became a Star
Michael, a hockey player from Ontario, walked on to an NCAA Division 1 team after getting overlooked in recruitment. He redshirted his first year, worked on his strength and speed, and by his sophomore season, he was a starting forward.
His dedication paid off when he earned a scholarship in his junior year and became a key player for his team.
Your Next Steps to Walk-On to an NCAA Team
Research schools that accept walk-ons in your sport.
Email coaches early to express interest.
Prepare for tryouts as if you’re competing for a scholarship.
Be patient and outwork scholarship athletes.
Keep improving, and you may earn a scholarship later.
For more NCAA recruitment insights, check out: NCAA Recruitment Process for Canadian Athletes: How to Get Noticed by Coaches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can walk-ons earn a scholarship later?
Yes, many walk-ons earn scholarships after their first or second year if they prove their value to the team.
Q2: Do all NCAA teams accept walk-ons?
No, some programs have strict roster limits. Always check with the coach before assuming walk-on spots are available.
Q3: Do walk-ons receive the same benefits as scholarship athletes?
Yes, walk-ons typically have access to the same facilities, training, and resources as scholarship players.
Q4: Is it easier to walk on in certain NCAA sports?
Yes, sports with larger rosters like track & field, rowing, and cross-country have more walk-on spots.
Q5: What is the biggest mistake walk-ons make?
Not preparing properly for tryouts or giving up too soon. Many walk-ons quit before they get their chance.
Conclusion
Walking on to an NCAA team is not easy, but for determined Canadian athletes, it can be a real pathway to college sports. While you may not start with a scholarship, proving yourself through hard work, persistence, and performance can open doors to playing time and financial aid.
If you’re serious about competing at the NCAA level, start researching walk-on opportunities, train like a scholarship athlete, and be ready to seize your chance when it comes.
For more NCAA recruitment insights, check out:
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