Walking On: Why High School Athletes Must Prepare for a Changing College Sports Landscape

For generations, high school student-athletes competing in “non-revenue” sports such as swimming, wrestling, tennis, and gymnastics have dreamed of earning a spot on a college roster. Many have aspired to scholarships that ease financial burdens while allowing them to compete at the next level. But with the recent changes in college athletics—most notably shrinking roster sizes—those dreams are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.

The changing landscape demands that high school athletes rethink their approach. Gone are the days when raw talent and potential alone could secure a spot on a collegiate team. Now, athletes must not only work harder to distinguish themselves but also prepare for the possibility of walking on rather than securing an automatic roster position or scholarship.

The Shrinking Pool of Opportunities

The $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement has reshaped college sports, introducing new financial and operational challenges for athletic programs. The most immediate consequence has been a reduction in roster sizes for many non-revenue sports. While these changes were intended to level the playing field and increase equity, they have forced colleges to make tough decisions about how to allocate limited resources.

For many smaller sports, roster cuts have become a reality. Coaches now face the challenge of managing smaller teams, which often means prioritizing scholarship athletes while leaving fewer opportunities for walk-ons or athletes competing without financial aid. For high school athletes, this means the competition for roster spots—already fierce—has become even more daunting.

The Walk-On Pathway

The concept of walking on has long been a viable option for athletes who may not have received a scholarship but are eager to prove themselves. In today’s environment, this pathway has become even more critical. High school athletes need to understand that while scholarships are ideal, they are not the only way to compete at the collegiate level.

Walking on requires a distinct mindset. It’s about resilience, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. Athletes who take this route often juggle the demands of academics, part-time jobs, and rigorous training schedules without the financial safety net of a scholarship. But for those who thrive under pressure, walking on can lead to opportunities to earn a scholarship later or simply fulfill the dream of competing at the collegiate level.

Why Career Preparation Matters

While the focus on earning a college roster spot is important, high school athletes should not lose sight of their long-term goals. The reality is that most college athletes will not turn professional in their sports, and even fewer will make a living from them. Preparing for a career outside athletics must remain a priority, especially for those navigating the uncertain waters of today’s college sports landscape.

Balancing athletics and academics has always been a hallmark of successful student-athletes, and this balance is more crucial than ever. High school athletes should focus on developing skills that translate to their future careers, such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and adaptability. These traits not only make them attractive to college programs but also prepare them for life beyond the playing field.

Student-athletes should also explore academic and extracurricular opportunities that align with their career interests. Internships, advanced coursework, and networking with mentors can provide a strong foundation for their professional journeys. By maintaining a dual focus on athletics and career preparation, high school athletes can ensure they are ready for whatever opportunities—or challenges—come their way.

The Role of Parents and Coaches

Parents and coaches play a vital role in helping high school athletes navigate these changes. While it’s natural for parents to hope their children will earn scholarships, they should also encourage realistic expectations and support the walk-on pathway if necessary. Coaches, on the other hand, can help athletes showcase their strengths, improve their skills, and develop the mental toughness required to succeed as walk-ons.

Open communication with college coaches is also essential. High school athletes should not hesitate to express their willingness to walk on and their dedication to earning a spot. Many college coaches value athletes who demonstrate initiative and a team-first mentality, even if they start their collegiate careers without a scholarship.

Looking Beyond the Roster

In the face of shrinking roster sizes, the definition of success for high school athletes must evolve. Securing a roster spot—whether as a scholarship athlete or a walk-on—is a tremendous accomplishment, but it is not the only measure of an athlete’s worth or potential. The lessons learned through sports—discipline, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity—carry immense value in every aspect of life.

For student-athletes who fall short of making a college roster, their sports experiences are far from wasted. These athletes are equipped with skills and character traits that can set them apart in their future endeavors. By maintaining focus on academics and career development, they can leverage their athletic backgrounds to achieve success in other fields.

The current changes in college sports may feel like a setback for many aspiring athletes, but they also present an opportunity to grow. Those who embrace the challenges, prepare to walk on, and maintain a broader perspective on their futures will emerge not only as better athletes but as more well-rounded individuals ready to excel in whatever paths they choose.