started as walk on - future scholarship question

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Jun 17, 2014
97
8
My DD is a recruited walk-on at her D1 school. We are happy with that and it is in state for us so it was still cheaper than other options we looked at. But I am curious about how it might work in future years - I've heard that in year 2 or 3 if a walk on is playing and playing well, they may get a scholarship. Is this something that the coaches then have to take away from other players or from their incoming player budget? I'm assuming the player works hard and does all they can for the team etc. but that the coaches would be fair and would decide whether or not they're doing it and the player should not discuss it. Does anyone have experience with this who could tell me how it worked for them (or what they've heard)?
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,409
113
Texas
I would assume as players graduate or leave the program or committed players don't work out monies open up. I know a kid that is getting ready to play her Senior year and she had never rec'd any athletic monies. Only a residential scholly that defrayed housing costs. The coaches got fired and the new coach offered up some athletic money this year.
 

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
Apologies for the cynicism, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for "fair" as a reward for hard work and a good attitude. As with anything else, performance and importance to the team has a great deal to do with how much leverage exists. If she can play CF and lead the team in slugging percentage, that's a far bigger potential loss than someone who might be an occasional role player. Making oneself difficult to replace is the best guarantor of "fair". Where the money comes from isn't your problem.
 
Last edited:

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
My DD is a recruited walk-on at her D1 school. We are happy with that and it is in state for us so it was still cheaper than other options we looked at. But I am curious about how it might work in future years - I've heard that in year 2 or 3 if a walk on is playing and playing well, they may get a scholarship. Is this something that the coaches then have to take away from other players or from their incoming player budget? I'm assuming the player works hard and does all they can for the team etc. but that the coaches would be fair and would decide whether or not they're doing it and the player should not discuss it. Does anyone have experience with this who could tell me how it worked for them (or what they've heard)?

"Fair" does not exist! Don't expect it!!! As I type this, one of my golfers who I helped get into college was told that the promise she had of an increased scholarship is not going to happen. She played last year as this school's #2 golfer so it isn't like she didn't do well. She is heartbroken and is coming home. Her family could afford the first year on the promise that the roughly 28% would turn into 40%. Not happening! They gambled and lost. I'm hacked as well since I was in on the promise of an increase if she proved herself.
 
Jun 17, 2014
97
8
I should have been more clear. The assumption where I thought *maybe* scholarship money would be considered was one where the player was a starter and doing well batting. But I get the message that nothing is guaranteed even when the player is key to the team! Part of my question was whether, given a scenario where the player is a starter and let's assume in the top 4 or 5 batting...would she need to ask about it or should she not ask because that would rub the coaches wrong. I don't want to get ahead of myself but it was just something I was curious about.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
I should have been more clear. The assumption where I thought *maybe* scholarship money would be considered was one where the player was a starter and doing well batting. But I get the message that nothing is guaranteed even when the player is key to the team! Part of my question was whether, given a scenario where the player is a starter and let's assume in the top 4 or 5 batting...would she need to ask about it or should she not ask because that would rub the coaches wrong. I don't want to get ahead of myself but it was just something I was curious about.

She should definitely ask. Coaches can and will increase scholarships.. Some need more prying than others, but it happens all the time. The ones to watch out for are the compliance departments because they'll screw your kid every chance they get.
 

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
I should have been more clear. The assumption where I thought *maybe* scholarship money would be considered was one where the player was a starter and doing well batting. But I get the message that nothing is guaranteed even when the player is key to the team! Part of my question was whether, given a scenario where the player is a starter and let's assume in the top 4 or 5 batting...would she need to ask about it or should she not ask because that would rub the coaches wrong. I don't want to get ahead of myself but it was just something I was curious about.

IMO, it is fine for the player to speak to the coach and mention that the family sure could use a little help. I don't see how or why a coach could be upset with that.
 

Tom

Mar 13, 2014
222
0
Texas
I should have been more clear. The assumption where I thought *maybe* scholarship money would be considered was one where the player was a starter and doing well batting. But I get the message that nothing is guaranteed even when the player is key to the team! Part of my question was whether, given a scenario where the player is a starter and let's assume in the top 4 or 5 batting...would she need to ask about it or should she not ask because that would rub the coaches wrong. I don't want to get ahead of myself but it was just something I was curious about.

I would definitely ask. If she is productive member of the team I would assume she would be a much lower risk in a coach's mind than an unproven Freshman to give money to. Very similar to asking for a raise in a job, she won't get what she doesn't ask for. Timing will be important too, make sure the ask is made before all monies are budgeted to others.
 
Jul 14, 2010
716
18
NJ/PA
It absolutely happens. If she's earned money, ask for it. Coaches will do whatever they can to keep productive, hard-working players happy.
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,409
113
Texas
DD's former Catching and Hitting coach shared with me her year to year scholly progression. 50-50-75-100. She also set the all time HR record (55) for the program! Be productive and be rewarded. Her twin sister was the Pitcher for the program too. Wonder if that made any difference.
 

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