Heart of the Axe: Donovan Reid

Heart of the Axe is a weekly feature from the perspective of Axemen and Axewomen student-athletes. It dives deeper into why they decided to attend Acadia, what drives them athletically, how they got started in their sport, the impact Acadia has had on them during their time in Wolfville and much more. 

This week's feature athlete is first-year basketball Axeman and psychology major Donovan Reid. He talks about why he came to Acadia, what his goals are during his time here and what his future goals are after his time with the Axemen. 

When I came to Acadia University for my visit, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of the men’s basketball program.

From the town of Wolfville to the atmosphere of the gym, everything just felt right.

I could see myself growing as a person and an athlete here.

I could see myself leaving an impact.

The coaching staff truly believed in me and my ability to play at this level, and the team was a brotherhood — a group of guys who’d rather celebrate their teammates’ success over their own.

That was something I really wanted to be a part of.

I saw the potential of this program, and I wanted to be a part of something special.

Even in my few short months here, I know I made the right choice in coming to Acadia.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Playing university basketball has always been a dream and goal of mine.

I consider myself very blessed and fortunate to be in this position.

I’m very excited, but also a little nervous being in a new environment and away from home.

It’s all a bit overwhelming, but the team and the other students and people of Acadia and Wolfville have made it much easier.

I know I just need to take this journey one step at a time, like I always do, and I’ll be okay.

Overall, I’m very, very grateful to be in this situation and also grateful to the people who’ve supported me.

Knowing my family has my back puts me at peace.

MAKING THE TRANSITION

The jump from high school to university is definitely significant one, but I was lucky enough to have so many people around me who gave me great advice and helped me prepare for this level.

First off, I just prepared and trained my body to the best of my ability.

I did my best to get bigger and stronger, knowing that I’d be undersized and that the physical toll of practicing at this high of a level would have on my body.

I also started training with players who were already at this level to get a feel for how the style of play shifts here at the U SPORTS level.

I also came to Acadia for as many workouts as I could to start understanding what was coming up.

And now that I’m here, I’m just taking it day by day.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

It was really important for me to look at this team from an outside perspective at first.

I wanted to see what the missing pieces of this team were, if they’d lost anyone, and if there were any massive gaps that needed to be filled.

I looked at myself as a player and my abilities, and what I could do to help this team.

I plan on being a spark for the team — a constant energy who uplifts the team and outworks our opponents.

I don’t mind doing the dirty work.

In fact, I enjoy it.

I like rebounding the basketball, I love getting stops on defence, and anything else that needs to be done.

I think this is the Axemen mindset or culture.

We’re a little gritty, and we work hard. Wolfville is a town full of hard workers, and I think the athletics teams are the same.

I want to be a part of that, and I truly believe as a player I’m capable of doing that.

I’m excited to prove myself as a U SPORTS player who can go out on the court and impact the game in only positive ways.

And I’m excited to be part of a team that will be there for each other.

I’m certain we’ll be successful.

LOOKING AHEAD

When I look back at my time at Acadia, I know I’ll be able to look back at some of the best years of my life.

From all the connections I’ve made with my teammates, coaches, and friends to all the unforgettable experiences I’ll have along the way, I hope to leave a positive impact on the team, school, and community.

I hope to help bring Acadia to the top of Canadian basketball.

And when I do leave, I hope my experiences here prepare me to eventually return to Acadia as the head coach of the program.

In my time here, I can tell that Wolfville is a special place with great energy, and I want to be a part of this environment no matter what position I’m in.

I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited to get to work.