WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia University Department of Varsity Athletics is pleased to announce that Halifax, N.S. native Holly Buckler has committed to the Axewomen Soccer program beginning in the fall of 2016. An excellent student as well as an accomplished player, Buckler was also a part of the Halifax Dunbrack Under-18 squad that recently competed at the Canadian Club National Championships – her third consecutive title. She has also been a consistent first-team selection with the Soccer Nova Scotia's provincial programs throughout her youth career.
Halifax West Coach Head Coach Roy Snook has coached Buckler extensively, "I have had the pleasure of coaching Holly Buckler for the past three seasons both at Halifax West winning two provincial championships and at the club level for one season with Halifax Dunbrack soccer club winning a bronze medal at Nationals. Holly has great speed and is effective in any position on the field. She sees the field very well and is very strong attacking or defending one on one. Holly is the hardest working player on and off the field and has a knack for scoring timely goals. Her dedicated participation and strong leadership skills, as well as, her ability to score goals in important games at Provincials and Nationals should be a great asset to Acadia's soccer program. Holly has combined her leadership and soccer skills with her extremely positive attitude to become a great academic athlete. She continues to push herself to improve both on the field and in the classroom. Holly will be a great fit for Acadia as they pursue a national title."
Acadia Head Coach Amit Batra first noticed Buckler with the Soccer Nova Scotia provincial program in 2013 and concurs, "I've seen Holly's ability grow over the past two years and that is amongst the most impressive aspects of her game. She can add depth to our back line but also can step into the midfield. Holly brings a huge competitive edge that many of our players exemplify so she can come in and challenge right away but also draw from the experiences of her teammates. I've had the opportunity to connect with Holly at various competitions and I have no doubt she fits everything we are looking for in an Acadia athlete from the classroom to the community involvement and the field of play. We're excited that she'll become a part of the Acadia family."
Buckler is equally enthusiastic about her future with the Axewomen, "Acadia University has always been my first choice for my undergraduate studies. I was drawn to Acadia by its strong kinesiology program, friendly and supportive atmosphere, and beautiful campus. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play for the Acadia University Women's Soccer Team. The experienced coaching staff and the strong sense of team make Acadia the perfect place to develop athletically. After last year's very successful season in the AUS and with the upcoming opportunity to represent the university at CIS nationals, 2016 is a very exciting time to be joining the program. I can't wait for the chance to contribute athletically while pursuing my studies at Acadia University.
Buckler is an above ninety average student who has spent time coaching with her club while also volunteering in the summers with the IWK Hospital in Halifax. She follows former Halifax West graduates in AUS second-team All Star Jenna Blackburn and current Axewoman Jenna Boudreau with whom she earned a National Bronze medal in 2014.
The Axewomen completed the 2015 AUS women's soccer season with a 10-1-2 record and first place in the AUS standings. Acadia will be hosting the 2016 CIS women's soccer championship this coming fall.