Walk-ons can come from a number of sources, some expected and some not.
ND hadn't had a walk-on since 2011 until the 2017-18 season, which -- as you might recall - was the one when ND was hit by a few (then) unexpected transfers and (eventually) a total of four ACL injuries. Three walk-ons, in total, were on what would become an NC-winning team.
- Maureen Butler
- Kaitlin Cole
- Nicole Benz
The first two tried out. Cole was scouted, to a degree, by Marina Mabrey in ND's extensive Bookstore Basketball tournament.
Benz was a manager who became a player after Lili Thompson went down with her ACL injury.
Cole, the product of a die-hard ND family (see attached article) got some playing time that year. Eventually, Cole and Benz continued playing for the Irish and both eventually earned scholarships.
Once upon a time, a kid who impossibly dreamed of playing for the University of Notre Dame walked on to its powerhouse program. There also was Rudy. This ...
www.toledoblade.com
Since that time, ND has had a steady stream of walk-ons; most came from try-outs, but one was also a volleyball player who came over after the season.
Good luck to UConn in filling out that bench!