Walk-ons of any sport have to play with a chip on their shoulder.
Their roster spot is not guaranteed.
If you ever witness a true walk on training with the rest of their team, what you will see is a player who radiates big effort in everything that they do.
They have no choice.
Because they were not recruited, everyday is a test to prove that they belong there.
Every day is an opportunity to go 200 percent and earn the title of starter.
Every day is an opportunity to show the coach that you deserve a scholarship.
A true walk on is what I call a leader in the rough because the skills and mentality that they develop throughout this process will uncover what they are truly made of.
Their journey is different.
They were not recruited. Every day they are out to prove they more than belong
A true walk on must do double the work of a scholarship athlete just to get a shot.
This gives them an edge. Because during this process, they develop a resilience that some players on scholarship lack and never will have.
Showing up late for a walk on is unacceptable. They have to be the first to arrive, and the last to leave and DEMONSTRATE how badly they want to get better and earn that spot.
Walk-ons find a way to improve every single day, and they move with a sense of urgency.
They want to stay top of mind.
True walk-ons don’t have a sense of entitlement.
They believe they deserve it, but play like they have to earn it.
Being a walk-on is not for everybody, because it requires BIG EFFORT on a daily basis.
It demands patience.
It requires resilience.
It creates a lifelong work ethic.
However, you do not have to be a walk on athlete to adopt this mentality.
Work everyday like you have a point to prove. A spot to earn.
Train like you always have to beat the man in front of you.
Play like you spot is up for grabs.
Be the first to show up.
Be the last to leave.
Move with a sense of urgency and never be satisfied with complacency.
Borrow this mindset in ALL you do and you will be successful in sport and in life.
Think like a Walk-on.