How to Join College Sports: Tryouts, Walk-Ons, and Playing Without Recruitment

By Robert JohnsonLast Updated July 31, 2025

Introduction: Opportunities Beyond Recruitment

Many prospective college athletes wonder if there are options to play college sports without being actively recruited in high school. The good news: in the United States, students can still pursue competitive athletics in college through a variety of pathways, including tryouts and walk-on opportunities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how you can participate in college sports, even if you haven’t been scouted, and what steps are necessary to get started. We’ll also cover essential eligibility requirements, the difference between varsity, club, and intramural sports, and practical advice for taking action.

Understanding College Sports Pathways

College athletic programs typically fall into three major categories: varsity (NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA), club, and intramural sports. Varsity teams represent the highest level of collegiate competition, often involving scholarships and rigorous commitments. Club and intramural teams provide a less intense but still rewarding athletic experience, and are open to a wider range of students.

For varsity sports, most athletes are recruited by coaches during high school. However, each year, thousands of students join teams as walk-ons -meaning they earn a spot through open tryouts or by directly contacting coaches, rather than through formal recruitment [2] .

Varsity Sports: The Walk-On Tryout Process

If you want to play for a varsity team but haven’t been recruited, your main option is to try out as a walk-on. While the process and availability of tryouts vary by school and sport, most NCAA Division I and II teams hold some form of open tryout for enrolled students each year. These tryouts are highly competitive, as roster spots are limited and most positions are filled by recruited athletes [2] .

Common Steps for Walk-On Tryouts:

Enrollment: You must be a full-time student at the college or university, usually taking at least 12 credit hours per semester [1] .
NCAA Eligibility: Registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center is mandatory for varsity sports. This involves verifying academic records and amateur status [3] .
Medical Clearance: Most schools require a recent physical examination by a licensed physician and proof of medical insurance. NCAA regulations may also require specific tests, such as a sickle cell screening [3] .
Tryout Registration: Schools typically post tryout dates and required forms on their athletics department websites. You must complete all paperwork and submit any requested information ahead of tryouts [3] .
Participation in Tryouts: Attend the scheduled tryout session(s), demonstrate your skills, and follow up with coaches as needed.

Example: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) provides detailed walk-on tryout instructions, including academic and medical requirements, on its official athletics site [3] . Most universities with NCAA programs have a similar process.

Eligibility Requirements for College Sports Tryouts

Before you can try out for a varsity team, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. The NCAA’s main requirements include:

Academic Preparedness: Complete at least 16 approved NCAA core courses in high school, and achieve a qualifying GPA in those courses [5] .
Standardized Test Scores: Meet minimum SAT or ACT score requirements, which vary by division and school [1] .
Amateur Status: You must not have played your sport professionally or accepted payment for athletic performance [5] .

Students interested in participating should consult with their high school counselor and review the NCAA Eligibility Center’s guidelines. Registration and verification are required before competing in official NCAA events.

How to Prepare for Walk-On Tryouts

Because walk-on tryouts are competitive, preparation is critical. You should:

Research Team Needs: Visit your college’s athletics website and look for team rosters, recent news, and tryout announcements. Reach out to coaches to express your interest and ask about opportunities [2] .
Maintain Academic Standing: Keep your grades up, as eligibility depends on academic performance [5] .
Train and Condition: Continue regular training in your sport during the summer and off-season. Attend camps or clinics if possible [4] .
Gather Documentation: Have copies of your medical records, insurance card, and proof of NCAA Eligibility Center registration ready.

Alternative Pathways: If walk-on tryouts are not offered for your sport or if you do not make the varsity roster, consider joining club or intramural teams, which provide additional opportunities for competition and skill development [2] .

Club and Intramural Sports: Open to All

If the varsity route doesn’t work out, or if you want a less demanding athletic experience, club and intramural sports offer accessible options for most students. Club teams are usually student-run, compete against other schools, and may hold tryouts but are generally less competitive than varsity teams. Intramural sports are recreational and open to anyone on campus.

To join a club or intramural team:

Visit your university’s recreation or athletics website to see available sports and sign-up deadlines.
Attend the student activities fair or club sports fair at the start of each semester.
Contact the club president or recreation department for information on joining, practice times, and requirements.

Example: At most universities, club soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee teams are popular and welcome students with a range of abilities, including those who played varsity sports in high school but were not recruited for college teams.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances

If you are determined to play college sports without being recruited, consider these strategies:

Start preparing early-maintain fitness, hone skills, and gather references from previous coaches.
Attend summer camps or showcases hosted by your target colleges to get on coaches’ radar [4] .
Be persistent and proactive about following up on tryout opportunities, as some schools only announce tryouts internally or in the early fall.
Balance your athletic ambitions with academic responsibilities, as strong grades are essential for both eligibility and long-term success [5] .

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Walking on to a varsity team without recruitment can be challenging. Roster spots are limited, and recruited athletes have an advantage. However, many successful college athletes began as walk-ons and earned playing time through persistence and improvement.

Solutions include:

Exploring club or intramural options to stay involved in your sport and potentially transition to varsity later.
Focusing on academics and leadership roles in athletic clubs, which can enhance your college experience and open doors to future opportunities.

Summary: Your Action Plan

Research your preferred colleges’ athletic offerings and tryout processes.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you aim to play varsity sports.
Meet all academic and medical requirements before attempting a tryout.
Contact coaches and attend posted tryouts or open sessions.
If not selected, explore club and intramural teams to remain active and competitive.

For more information, visit your chosen university’s athletics department website or consult your high school guidance counselor for personalized guidance.