Former LSU Basketball Walk-On Turns Spotlight into a Platform for Change
SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESS Newswire / June 30, 2025 / Following a recent feature article highlighting his inspiring journey from SEC walk-on to aspiring college coach, Adam Benhayoune is using his growing platform to advocate for greater inclusion in athletics-particularly for individuals with special needs-and for a renewed focus on leadership development in youth sports.
"I've always believed leadership is about showing up, not standing out," said Benhayoune. "Now, I want to raise awareness around the values that shaped me-service, perseverance, and building up others behind the scenes."
A Call for More Than Just Wins: Elevating Inclusion and Mentorship in Sports
In the article titled "Adam Benhayoune: From SEC Walk-On to Coaching Visionary," Benhayoune reflects on his years volunteering in special education classrooms and with Special Olympics athletes. He also shares his time mentoring young athletes while balancing life as a walk-on at Louisiana State University.
Benhayoune is urging schools, coaches, and student-athletes to make service and inclusion part of the playbook.
"I learned more from the kids I helped in those classrooms than I ever did from a playbook," he said. "Inclusion isn't just a social issue-it's a leadership issue. It changes how you see people, and how you lead a team."
According to the CDC, one in six U.S. children has a developmental disability. Yet, many schools lack robust inclusion programs, and athletic departments often overlook how sports can play a transformative role in building empathy and community.
"Athletes already have the spotlight," Benhayoune noted. "They can use it to include others, not just perform for them."
The Walk-On Mindset: Redefining What It Means to Lead
As a four-year SEC Honor Roll recipient and walk-on team member, Benhayoune also calls attention to the often-overlooked role of walk-ons in shaping team culture.
"Everyone thinks success is about talent. But most days, it's just about showing up," he said. "Walk-ons push the starters, they stay late, they lead by example. That mindset-of grinding without glory-is what youth sports should celebrate more."
In a 2023 NCAA study, nearly 38% of student-athletes reported feeling undervalued unless they were starters or scholarship players. Benhayoune believes coaches and athletic programs can do more to build leadership opportunities for all players-especially those in the shadows.
Why This Matters Now
As NIL deals, social media pressure, and recruiting politics shift the tone of college sports, Benhayoune wants to see values like resilience, humility, and service reclaimed as central to athletic identity.
"You don't need 10,000 followers to be a leader," he said. "You just need to care about people and show up every day with purpose."
He encourages players, coaches, and parents to think bigger than the scoreboard.
How You Can Take Action
Benhayoune is not asking for donations or starting a foundation-he's asking people to act locally:
Volunteer with organizations like the Special Olympics or adaptive sports programs.
Mentor a younger athlete or support bench players who contribute behind the scenes.
Talk to your local schools about increasing inclusive sports and classroom partnerships.
Model leadership at home by encouraging humility, hard work, and empathy in youth activities.
"Everyone can do something," Benhayoune said. "You don't have to be a coach or a player. Just be someone who sees value in others."
To read more, visit the website here.
About Adam Benhayoune
Adam Benhayoune is a San Antonio native and 2025 graduate of Louisiana State University, where he studied Management and Human Resources and spent four years with the LSU men's basketball team. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion, player development, and leadership in youth and college sports
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SOURCE: Adam Benhayoune
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
