A surprise scholarship worth $10,000 given to Clemson walk-on Gymnast

Clemson freshman Sierra Church of Lincolnton, North Carolina begins the beam during the gymnastics meet with University of North Carolina at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson Friday, February 23, 2024.
Clemson freshman Sierra Church of Lincolnton, North Carolina begins the beam during the gymnastics meet with University of North Carolina at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson Friday, February 23, 2024. / Ken Ruinard - staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
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One of the unique things about college athletics is the walk-on. The stories of overlooked athletes battling adversity to earn scholarships are some of the most heartwarming in the sports world. Stories like Baker Mayfield's, JJ Watt's, Brandon Burlsworth's — who the trophy celebrating the best Walk-on in college football was named after — and Clemson's own Hunter Renfrow.

Another Tiger walk-on story has gained national attention, although this time, it's not on the gridiron but in the gym. Clemson gymnast Sierra Church has received a scholarship from Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux worth $10,000.

According to the scholarship program, Church is the first female recipient of the award and the first athlete outside of football. She was chosen for the award because of her "dedication as a walk-on athlete... contributions to the team and her embodiment of perseverance and resilience."

Walk-On's is a national sports bar chain founded by former walk-on Brandon Landry, who played basketball for LSU, and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees. In honor of Jason Kelce (also a former walk-on turned pro), the scholarship will select 13 walk-on athletes to receive the award, matching Kelce's 13 years in the NFL. Church is the second recipient this year.

Below are pictures of the moment she found out about her award.

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