WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The call Len Harvey had been waiting for happened last week. The Acadia Axewomen basketball team bolstered its talented recruiting class, today announcing the commitment of highly sought-after recruit, Sami Russell.

"We're obviously very excited and happy for Sami," said Harvey. "She is a proven winner and is such a versatile threat from all areas of the floor. She can impact the game in so many different ways on offense and defense, she's a bit of a Swiss Army knife out there. What I love about Sami though is her compete level. Her desire to improve and challenge herself to be the best is what excites us the most."

Russell, a 5'11" guard from Dartmouth, N.S., has had a decorated high school career at Dartmouth High, where she was the Metro High School Rookie of the Year in 2018-19, a Metro women's basketball All Star every year she played, as well as being the MVP of the Dartmouth Spartans in 2019-20. More impressive is she has been the cornerstone of the team that has not lost a single game since she arrived there, going undefeated and winning the Division 1 league and provincial championship in both 2018-19 and 2019-20.

"I chose Acadia because it checked all the boxes – a great academic program, an amazing location and campus, a supportive community, and of course – a basketball program like no other," said Russell. "I'm looking forward to improving my game and learning from all of my new teammates and coaches."

Russell has been a consistent presence on Basketball Nova Scotia provincial teams since 2017, and was recognized as one of the 10 All-Stars from across the country at the 2019 Canada Basketball National Championship. She was also named the 2020 Sport Nova Scotia Junior Female Basketball Athlete of the Year at the Ricoh Sport Awards. Widely considered to be the top recruit in Atlantic Canada, Russell had no shortage of options when considering where she wanted to spend her university career, ultimately choosing the Axewomen for a few key reasons.

"The things that won me over the most and convinced me Acadia would be the best fit for me was because of the competitive culture they have there, and the winning mindset. I knew it was the place for me," said Russell.

"Sami could have played anywhere, so of course we're excited to have her here with us," said Harvey. "I remember seeing her playing at U15 Nationals years ago and thinking how special she could be, but then getting to watch her work so hard at developing her game through high school was what sold me on her. She has a humility about her that you don't often find in players of her calibre, which makes her able to be incredibly confident without being overbearing. I am very excited to get to work with her for her university career."

Also a very strong student, Russell will be entering Acadia's Business program in the fall of 2021.