Walk-On vs Scholarship: Your Complete Guide to College Volleyball

What Is a Walk-On Volleyball Player?

A walk-on is a college athlete who joins a team without receiving an athletic scholarship. You're a full member of the team — you practice, travel, and compete just like scholarship players — but you're not getting financial aid from the athletic department for your volleyball skills.

Quick Definition:

Walk-On: Team member with no athletic scholarship (may have academic aid, loans, or pay full price)
Scholarship Player: Team member receiving athletic scholarship money (partial or full)

Important: You can be a walk-on AND still receive financial aid through academic scholarships, merit-based aid, need-based grants, or student loans. "Walk-on" only means you're not getting athletic scholarship money.

💡 Why It Matters: Many athletes assume "walk-on = paying full price," but that's not true. You can walk on with a full academic scholarship and pay nothing. Or you can be a recruited athlete with a 10% athletic scholarship and still owe $50k/year. The key difference is who's paying (athletic department vs academic department vs you/family), not how much you're paying.

The 2 Types of Walk-Ons (And Why It Matters)

Not all walk-ons are created equal. There are two main types, and the difference impacts your chances of earning playing time and eventually getting a scholarship:

✅ Preferred Walk-On

A preferred walk-on is recruited by the coaching staff but offered a roster spot without athletic scholarship money (usually because the team ran out of scholarship funds or roster spots).

How it happens:

You email coaches, attend camps, get recruited like scholarship players
Coach says: "We'd love to have you on the team, but we're out of scholarship money this year. You're guaranteed a roster spot if you come."
You have a guaranteed roster spot before arriving on campus
You skip open tryouts (you're already on the team)
You're treated like a full team member from day one

Why coaches offer preferred walk-on spots:

Ran out of scholarship money: NCAA limits scholarships (12 per team for D1). If they want 16 players but only have 12 scholarships, the last 4 are preferred walk-ons.
Roster management: They need depth but can't afford to give everyone money.
Academic scholarships: If you have a 4.0 GPA and qualify for a full academic ride, the coach can save athletic scholarship money for other players.
Positional need: They already have 3 setters with scholarships but want a 4th setter for practice depth.

Preferred walk-ons have a MUCH higher chance of earning playing time and scholarships later because coaches specifically recruited them. You're not an afterthought — you're part of the plan.

⚠️ Tryout Walk-On (Open Walk-On)

A tryout walk-on (also called an "open walk-on") is someone who was not recruited but makes the team through open tryouts held at the beginning of the school year.

How it happens:

You were not recruited by the coaching staff
You show up to open tryouts (usually advertised on the athletic department website)
You compete against 20-50+ other students for 1-3 walk-on spots
If you make the team, you're added to the roster
No guarantee you'll get playing time (coaches already have their recruited players)

Why tryout walk-ons exist:

Practice depth: Coaches need bodies for practice (scrimmages, serving, hitting lines)
Injury insurance: If 2-3 scholarship players get injured, tryout walk-ons can step up
Late bloomers: Occasionally a tryout walk-on turns out to be better than expected and earns playing time
Team culture: Walk-ons bring energy, work ethic, and competition to practice

Tryout walk-ons face an uphill battle for playing time and scholarships because they weren't part of the original recruiting plan. It's not impossible, but it's harder.

	Preferred Walk-On	Tryout Walk-On
Recruited?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Roster spot guaranteed?	✅ Yes	❌ No (must earn it at tryouts)
Chance of playing time	Moderate to High	Low to Moderate
Chance of earning scholarship later	High	Low to Moderate
Coach knows your name before arrival?	✅ Yes	❌ No

Bottom line: If a coach recruits you and offers a preferred walk-on spot, that's a REAL opportunity. If you're planning to show up to open tryouts without any prior contact with coaches, be realistic about your chances of making the team and getting playing time.

Pros & Cons of Being a Walk-On

Walking on isn't for everyone. Here's the honest breakdown of what you gain and what you give up:

✅ Pros of Walking On

1.
You Get to Play College Volleyball
If your goal is to compete at the college level and you don't have scholarship offers, walking on gets you there. You're still a college athlete — full team member, travel, competition, the whole experience.
2.
Opportunity to Earn a Scholarship Later
Many walk-ons earn partial or full scholarships after proving themselves in practice and games. Coaches have scholarship money become available (seniors graduate, players transfer, budget increases) and reward the hardest workers.
3.
You Can Attend Your Dream School
If you got into your top-choice school academically but didn't get recruited, walking on lets you attend the school you want AND play volleyball.
4.
Scholarship Money Isn't Everything
If you have a full academic scholarship or qualify for need-based aid, you might pay the same amount (or less!) as a teammate with a 20% athletic scholarship. Don't turn down a walk-on offer just because it's not "official" athletic money.
5.
Less Pressure, More Freedom
Scholarship players face pressure to perform or risk losing their funding. Walk-ons have more freedom to develop without the financial stakes. Some athletes thrive in this lower-pressure environment.
6.
Prove Doubters Wrong
Walk-ons who earn playing time and scholarships have incredible stories. You get to prove you belong through pure work ethic and performance. That builds character and resilience.

❌ Cons of Walking On

1.
No Athletic Scholarship Money
This is the obvious one. You're paying for school through academic scholarships, loans, family contributions, or work-study. If you don't have other financial aid, walking on at an expensive private school could mean $200k+ in debt.
2.
Limited Playing Time (Especially Year 1)
Coaches recruit scholarship players to start and play. Walk-ons often sit the bench freshman year (or longer) while they develop. If you need playing time for personal fulfillment, this can be frustrating.
3.
You're Lower on the Depth Chart
Scholarship players get first crack at positions. Walk-ons fill practice depth and compete for backup roles. To move up, you need to outwork and outperform players the coach invested money in — that's a high bar.
4.
Roster Spot Isn't Guaranteed Year-to-Year
Walk-ons can be cut. If a coach brings in a strong recruiting class, they might not have room for walk-ons the following year. Scholarship players are safer (though not 100% guaranteed either).
5.
Huge Time Commitment Without Financial Compensation
College volleyball is a 20-30 hour/week commitment (practice, weights, film, travel). You're dedicating the same time as scholarship players but not getting paid for it. That limits your ability to work a part-time job or focus on other opportunities.
6.
Mental/Emotional Challenge
Watching teammates who are "less skilled" play while you sit the bench because they have scholarships can be emotionally tough. Walk-ons need thick skin, patience, and intrinsic motivation.

Should You Walk On? (Decision Framework)

Here's how to decide if walking on is the right choice for you:

✅ Walking On Makes Sense If:

✓You have a preferred walk-on offer (coach recruited you and guaranteed a roster spot)
✓You're attending your dream school anyway (already admitted, love the school, volleyball is a bonus)
✓You have strong academic/need-based scholarships (college is affordable without athletic money)
✓You love volleyball and want to compete in college (intrinsic motivation > financial compensation)
✓You're willing to work for playing time (patient, coachable, competitive, resilient)
✓You believe you can earn a scholarship later (realistic assessment of your potential)
✓You have no other college volleyball offers (walk-on opportunity > not playing at all)

❌ Reconsider Walking On If:

✗You have scholarship offers at other schools (getting paid to play > paying to play)
✗Walking on means taking on $100k+ in debt (unless volleyball is worth that financial burden to you)
✗You need playing time to be happy (sitting the bench year 1-2 will crush your spirit)
✗You're banking on earning a scholarship later (it happens, but it's not guaranteed — don't bet your financial future on it)
✗You're only walking on because your parents want you to (intrinsic motivation is critical)
✗You haven't spoken to the coach yet (open tryouts at D1/D2 schools are extremely competitive — know your chances first)

💡 Alternative Path: Target D2/D3/NAIA Scholarships

Before you commit to walking on at a D1 school, consider this:

You might qualify for scholarships at D2, D3, or NAIA schools.

D1 walk-on: No athletic money, limited playing time, huge time commitment, sitting behind scholarship players
D2/NAIA scholarship: 30-50% athletic scholarship, starting role, same time commitment, treated like a valued recruit
D3 (no athletic scholarships): Academic/merit aid, high playing time, lower time commitment, better balance

Many athletes walk on at D1 schools when they could have started and been scholarship players at D2/NAIA schools. If you're chasing the "D1 dream" just for the label, ask yourself: Would you rather sit the bench at a D1 school or start and get paid at a D2 school?

How to Earn a Scholarship After Walking On

It happens. Walk-ons earn scholarships all the time. Here's how:

When Scholarships Become Available

1.
Seniors graduate (Spring) — Scholarship money opens up when seniors leave
2.
Players transfer out (Year-round) — Transfer portal creates openings
3.
Budget increases (Varies) — Athletic department allocates more scholarship funding
4.
Coaches didn't use full allocation (Next season) — Some teams don't max out scholarships year 1

What Coaches Look for When Awarding Scholarships to Walk-Ons

1.
Consistent Work Ethic
First one in the gym, last one to leave. Hustle in practice every single day. Coaches notice who's working when no one's watching.
2.
Skill Development
Show measurable improvement. If you walked on as a setter with inconsistent hands, become the most reliable setter by sophomore year. Document your progress (stats, video, vertical improvement).
3.
Positive Attitude
Walk-ons who complain, sulk, or bring negativity won't get scholarships. Coaches reward players who stay positive even when sitting the bench, encourage teammates, and make practice better for everyone.
4.
Team Value
Coaches ask: "If I give this walk-on a scholarship, does the team get better?" You don't have to be a starter — if you're the best practice player, bring energy every day, and make starters better through competition, you're valuable.
5.
Earning Playing Time
If you force your way into the rotation (outperform scholarship players in practice and games), coaches have no choice but to reward you. Playing time = leverage.
6.
Loyalty
Walk-ons who stick it out for 1-2 years without complaining show commitment. Coaches respect that and want to reward it when money becomes available.

How to Position Yourself for a Scholarship

Year 1 (Walk-On Season):

✓ Outwork everyone in practice (first to arrive, last to leave)
✓ Be the ultimate teammate (encourage others, positive body language, celebrate wins)
✓ Train in the off-season (strength, vertical, skills — show improvement)
✓ Don't complain about playing time (coaches are watching your attitude)
✓ Build relationships with coaches (be coachable, ask questions, show you care)

End of Year 1 / Start of Year 2:

✓ Have an honest conversation with your coach: "What do I need to do to earn a scholarship?"
✓ Ask for specific feedback (skill development, leadership, fitness goals)
✓ Set measurable goals (improve vertical by 2", increase hitting % to .300, etc.)

Year 2 (Prove It Season):

✓ Execute on the goals your coach gave you
✓ Force your way into the rotation (outplay scholarship players in practice)
✓ Become indispensable (practice player, leadership, team culture)
✓ Track your stats and improvements (hitting %, blocks, passing rating, vertical)
✓ At end of season, schedule a meeting: "I've worked hard, improved in X/Y/Z areas, and contributed to the team. I'd like to discuss scholarship opportunities."

Coaches want to reward walk-ons who prove they belong. If you do the work, you'll get the opportunity when scholarship money opens up.

Real Walk-On Success Stories

These are real examples of walk-ons who earned scholarships and playing time:

Outside Hitter, Big Ten School

Situation: Preferred walk-on (recruited but no scholarship money). Coach said "We're out of money, but we want you on the team."

Year 1: Practiced hard, barely played (3-4 matches, minimal minutes). Stayed positive, trained in off-season, improved vertical by 3".

Year 2: Earned starting role mid-season when starter got injured. Hit .280, 2.8 kills/set. Earned 40% scholarship for Year 3.

Year 3-4: Full scholarship, started all four years, team captain senior year.

Libero, Pac-12 School

Situation: Tryout walk-on. Wasn't recruited. Made the team at open tryouts freshman year.

Year 1: Practice player only (never saw the court in matches). Worked on passing every day with assistant coach after practice.

Year 2: Backup libero. Played in 8 matches when starter needed rest. Passing rating: 2.4 (excellent).

Year 3-4: Starting libero. Earned 50% scholarship Year 3, full scholarship Year 4. All-Conference honorable mention.

Middle Blocker, D2 School

Situation: Preferred walk-on at D1 school (no scholarship). Transferred to D2 school after freshman year.

Year 1 (D1): Sat the bench all season. Frustrated, not improving, limited practice reps.

Transfer to D2: Immediate 60% scholarship + starting role. Hit .310, 1.2 blocks/set.

Outcome: Happier at D2 school, better fit, more playing time, scholarship money. Realized D1 label didn't matter as much as playing and being valued.

💡 Common Thread: All three athletes worked harder than everyone else, stayed positive, improved their skills, and either earned scholarships or found better fits. Walking on is a path, not a dead end — but it requires patience, work ethic, and resilience.

Final Thoughts: Is Walking On Worth It?

There's no universal answer. Walking on is worth it for some athletes and not for others. Here's how to decide:

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1.Do I love volleyball enough to commit 20-30 hours/week without getting paid?
2.Can I afford this school without athletic scholarship money? (Academic aid, family support, loans)
3.Am I okay with potentially sitting the bench Year 1-2?
4.Do I have the work ethic and resilience to earn playing time and scholarships later?
5.Is this my only option to play college volleyball? (Or do I have scholarship offers elsewhere?)
6.Would I rather walk on at a D1 school or start with a scholarship at a D2/NAIA school?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, walking on might be the right path for you.

If you answered "no" to most of these questions, explore other options: Target D2/D3/NAIA schools for scholarships, take a gap year to improve and re-recruit, or choose academics over volleyball.

💡 Bottom Line: Walking on isn't a consolation prize — it's a legitimate path to playing college volleyball, earning scholarships, and having an incredible experience. But it requires honesty about your motivations, financial situation, and willingness to work for opportunities that scholarship players get handed to them. Choose wisely.

Ready to Explore Your College Volleyball Options?

Whether you're targeting scholarships or considering walk-on opportunities, Ryloa helps you email coaches directly and take control of your recruiting process.

Start Reaching Out to Coaches