what weeks can u walk on to a college team

2 min read 15-04-2025

what weeks can u walk on to a college team

Walking on to a college sports team is a popular route for many aspiring student-athletes. It's a chance to compete at a high level while pursuing your education. But understanding the timing is crucial. This article will explore when you can typically try out for a college team.

Understanding Walk-On Policies

The exact timing for walking on varies significantly between schools, sports, and even coaching staffs. There isn't a universal "walk-on week." However, some general patterns exist.

Fall Sports (Football, Soccer, Volleyball, etc.)

Before the Season Starts: For most fall sports, the best time to try out is during the preseason. This is often several weeks before the regular season begins. Contact the coaching staff directly to inquire about specific dates and procedures. Many teams hold open tryouts or evaluations during this period.
Early in the Season (Limited): Some coaches might consider walk-ons early in the season, especially if injuries occur or the team needs to fill a specific position. This is less common and highly dependent on the coach's discretion.
After the Season (Rare): It's unlikely a coach will accept walk-ons once the regular season is underway. The team's dynamics are established, and integrating a new athlete is challenging.

Spring Sports (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, etc.)

Similar to fall sports, the best opportunity for spring sports walk-ons is usually during the preseason, weeks before the start of the regular season.

Late Winter/Early Spring: Contact coaches in the late winter or early spring to determine their specific tryout schedules.
Early in the Season (Limited, as above): The same caveats apply as fall sports. The chances are slimmer as the season progresses.

Other Factors Influencing Timing

Specific Team Needs: A team needing players at a certain position may be more open to walk-ons than a team with a full roster.
Coach's Preferences: Coaching styles and philosophies greatly impact how open a coach is to walk-ons.
NCAA Rules: All walk-ons must adhere to NCAA eligibility rules. This includes academic requirements and amateur status.

How to Approach a Walk-On Tryout

Regardless of the sport or time of year, a proactive approach is key:

Research: Identify the coaches and contact them directly via email or phone. Be polite, professional, and concise in your communication.
Prepare: Be in peak physical condition and ready to showcase your skills. Prepare a highlight reel or portfolio of your athletic achievements.
Be Realistic: Understand that walking on is competitive. Not everyone is accepted. Maintain a positive attitude and be respectful of the team and coaching staff.
Follow Up: After attending a tryout, follow up with the coach to express your continued interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I walk on to a college team during the season?

A: It's highly unlikely. Most coaches finalize their rosters before the season begins. Exceptions might be made for serious injuries or specific positional needs, but this is uncommon.

Q: What if I miss the initial tryouts?

A: Contact the coach and explain your situation. There might be a chance for a later evaluation, but don't expect guarantees. For the following year, plan to prepare far in advance.

Q: Are there any differences between Division I, II, and III?

A: Yes, the competitiveness and opportunities vary across divisions. Division I teams tend to be more selective, while Division III may be more open to walk-ons due to roster size limitations.

Conclusion

While there's no guaranteed "walk-on week," the preseason is typically the optimal time to try out for most college sports teams. Remember to be proactive, prepared, and respectful throughout the process. Good luck!