In college athletics, a walk-on is a team member who was neither recruited nor awarded a scholarship. Walk-ons are everyday students who got into college the usual way (by demonstrating academic, not athletic, proficiency). They generally earn their spot on the team by performing well in open tryouts--sessions at which any student can show up and demonstrate his or her skills. Most walk-ons spend their
athletic careers as benchwarmers or practice players, but some occasionally play well enough to earn a scholarship or a place in the starting lineup.