Grant Hurst’s journey with Tennessee basketball has been a testament to perseverance, hard work, and a passion for the game. For the past two seasons, Hurst has been a walk-on with the Volunteers, contributing to the team not as a star player but as a dedicated member of the roster who supports his teammates and works tirelessly behind the scenes. Now, as his time with Tennessee basketball draws to a close, Hurst is already looking ahead to his future—a future that he envisions in coaching.
As a walk-on, Hurst’s role on the team has been different from many of his peers. While he hasn’t always been in the spotlight or logging minutes on the court, his commitment to the team has been unwavering. Whether it’s during practices, film sessions, or behind-the-scenes work, Hurst has made an impact by showing what it means to truly invest in the program, no matter your role. His work ethic and selflessness have earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates, who recognize the value he brings to the team in ways that go far beyond scoring or statistics.
A Walk-On’s Unseen Contributions
For many players, the dream of playing at the highest level of college basketball comes with challenges, especially for walk-ons who don’t receive the scholarship attention that others may get. Yet, Grant Hurst’s story is one of dedication to the process. As a walk-on, Hurst has had to prove himself time and time again, showing up every day with a mindset focused on improvement and making the team better, whether it’s in practice or during game preparation.
“I’ve never been the type of guy to take shortcuts,” Hurst said in a recent interview. “Being a walk-on means you have to earn everything. It’s about showing up, working hard, and putting in the time—because at the end of the day, it’s not about the minutes you play, it’s about the impact you have on your teammates and the program.”
Hurst’s role has often been to challenge the starting players during practice, pushing them to be better, while also absorbing lessons from coaches and veterans. The mental and physical demands of being a walk-on can be grueling, but Hurst has approached it with an unwavering determination, knowing that his contributions—while not always seen on the scoreboard—are crucial to the team’s success.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Coaching
As his time as a player comes to a close, Hurst’s focus is now shifting to his next chapter: coaching. The experience he has gained over the past two years has given him valuable insights into the inner workings of a successful college basketball program. From observing the leadership of head coach Rick Barnes to working closely with the team’s assistant coaches, Hurst is eager to take what he’s learned and apply it to his own coaching career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be around great coaches here at Tennessee,” Hurst said. “I’ve seen what it takes to build a winning program and the kind of leadership it takes to motivate players both on and off the court. I want to take everything I’ve learned and use it to help young players develop not just their skills, but also their mindset.”
Hurst’s dream is to return to the basketball world as a coach, and he’s already laying the groundwork to make that dream a reality. With his work ethic and dedication to the game, Hurst has already demonstrated the qualities that make for a successful coach: patience, a deep understanding of the game, and the ability to connect with players and help them reach their potential.
Support and Mentorship
Throughout his time as a walk-on at Tennessee, Hurst has been fortunate to have the mentorship and support of his coaches and teammates. Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by Rick Barnes, has always been quick to recognize the contributions of walk-on players like Hurst, who play a crucial role in shaping the team’s culture. Barnes himself has expressed admiration for Hurst’s tireless work ethic and his unwavering commitment to the team’s goals.
“Grant is the type of guy who makes everyone around him better,” Coach Barnes said. “He’s the kind of player who shows up every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help his teammates. That’s the kind of mentality you need as a coach—someone who understands the bigger picture and is always focused on the development of others.”
For Hurst, this praise is more than just a compliment—it’s validation for all the hard work he’s put in over the past two years. As he looks ahead to coaching, Hurst knows that the lessons he’s learned at Tennessee will serve him well in his future career.
A Message for the Next Generation
Grant Hurst’s journey as a walk-on and his aspirations to become a coach serve as an inspiration to aspiring players everywhere. His story proves that success isn’t always about being the star player or the one in the spotlight; sometimes, success is found in the hard work, dedication, and quiet contributions that make a team stronger.
“I want to show younger players that it’s not always about the position you’re in or the accolades you earn,” Hurst shared. “It’s about showing up, being consistent, and understanding that every role is important. You can make an impact no matter where you are.”
Hurst’s journey is just beginning, and as he transitions from player to coach, the lessons he’s learned as a walk-on will undoubtedly influence the way he mentors future athletes. His commitment to Tennessee basketball, and his passion for developing others, makes him a natural fit for a career in coaching.
The basketball world may not have seen Hurst on the court as much as other players, but his future in coaching is one to watch. As he takes the next step in his career, the foundation he’s built as a walk-on will serve as a solid base for whatever lies ahead. The game of basketball is about more than just playing—it’s about the legacy you leave behind, and Grant Hurst is already on his way to leaving a lasting impact.
