Being a walk-on at the University of Tennessee can be intimidating.

At a school known for its elite athletic programs, it could be difficult for a young student-athlete to merge into the environment. But Knoxville native Sarah Van Sickle, a walk-on to the Lady Vols soccer team, has found out that she is just one of the girls.

“The process of fitting in on the team was awesome last year,” Van Sickle said. “All the upperclassmen just brought us in.” A sophomore from Farragut High School, she confronted the challenge facing a non-scholarship player – finding her place on the team. Though recruited by various other schools, she chose her parents’ alma mater. Her search was over when she visited UT.

“My decision was made – the environment, the coaches, the facility, everything was just unmatched,” she said. The coaching staff agreed, liking what they saw in Van Sickle.

“She flat out told me, ‘I know I can play,’” said Lady Vol coach Angela Kelly. “’I know I can play at Tennessee.’” Kelly's response was simple. “Fantastic. Come prove it to me.”

Van Sickle has since earned her position as a starter. “I never would have ever imagined that I would be playing as much as I am or as much as I did last year,” she said. She came onto the field in 2005, she says, knowing that her focus needed to be on hard work, not her label as a walk-on. As a freshman, she played in 21 of 23 games and started in 16. Though she describes the competition in college as bigger, faster and with fewer weak spots, she has taken it as an opportunity to learn, saying she has learned everything she knows since coming to UT.

Van Sickle saw her first action against the North Carolina Tarheels, a perennial powerhouse, and their nominee for player of the year, Heather O’Reilly. Facing a tough team and a skilled player in her premier match, Van Sickle played tough defense, Kelly said, even though UNC won the match. (More on that game.)
If I told her she had to run through a brick wall and we’d win a national championship, she wouldn’t hesitate.Angela Kelly

In the South Carolina match in early October 2005, Van Sickle earned her first collegiate assist on her famed throw-in. Her throws are powerful, usually crossing the width of the field. This throw landed close enough for teammate Kylee Rossi to flick it in the net. (More on that game.)

In 2005, Van Sickle helped the Lady Vols win their third SEC championship and advance through the second round of the NCAA tournament. Van Sickle says she has enjoyed the learning experience she has found on the team.

“I don't think if I had gone to any other university that I would have become as good a soccer player as I could be.” Kelly credits Van Sickle's mentality, drive and work ethic as important influences in playing time. “If I told her she had to run through a brick wall and we’d win a national championship, she wouldn’t hesitate. She wouldn’t even take a double take. She would just start running through that wall.” Kelly and Van Sickle both look to team chemistry as a key factor in winning.

“This year especially, we’ve had a close team, like last year and this year, at least,” said Van Sickle. “We’re like the closest we’ve ever been.” She has found her place on the field as well as with her teammates and as a student. “I like it a lot,” she says. “It is a huge campus, and there’s always a lot to do. I enjoy it.”