This past Monday, Acadia University and Acadia Athletics celebrated academic success this past Monday at the annual U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian reception that recognizes student-athletes who have achieved an academic average of 80% or greater.

For the fourth year in a row, Acadia student-athletes' academic effort surpassed the 100 mark with 110 Academic All-Canadians. While this year was just shy of last year's record of 116, Executive Director of Athletics and Community Events, Kevin Dickie was again proud with this most recent effort.

"We're extremely proud of the academic success in general at Acadia with our Academic All-Canadians leading the way. We've had the ability to dispel some of the myths that athletic and academic success are mutually exclusive," said Dickie.

"We are equally as proud of student-athletes who may not hit the 80% benchmark but are doing all they can in the classroom to improve their grades through their dedication and commitment," noted Dickie.

With 285 student-athletes, Acadia is one of the top university in the country with 38.5% of it's student-athletes deemed Academic All-Canadians. Boasting a graduation rate of 96%, the academic average of its student-athletes is 75%.

Dickie announced Volleyball's Micaela Sabean and Soccer's Zachary Visser as Acadia's nominees to represent the AUS in the U SPORTS Academic Top 8. Both athletes achieved a 4.00 GPA (93-100%) while also achieving athletic excellence as starters for their respective team.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people that have helped just not Zach and I but ever single person in this room. They make this important and make us feel like this is something we should want to do. A special thank you to our coaches who provide the resources and support. I know when I walk into Michelle's (Volleyball head coach Michelle Wood) office, the first thing she asks is how are you and how is school. Nothing to do with volleyball. They care about us as people," said Sabean following her recognition.

Along with recognizing Acadia's student-athletes, Dickie also applauded the academic efforts of the student support staffs who are with the athletes every step of the way in competition, and the on-campus staff and faculty who help deliver the outstanding experience of being an Axeman or Axewoman at Acadia.

"None of this happens without the support our student-athletes and department receive from our campus community that surrounds them in many areas of student services and wellness including academics," concluded Dickie.