Cyr named head coach of Axewomen soccer program

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia University is pleased to announce Danielle Cyr as the new head coach of the Axewomen soccer program.

Cyr brings a decade of leadership experience from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), where they have built a legacy of athletic success, academic excellence, and community leadership.

“I’m incredibly honored to lead the Axewomen soccer program. As we build toward the 2025-26 season, I’m excited to connect and work alongside our returning core and welcome an exciting incoming class,” said Cyr. “My vision is to nurture a culture where every player feels empowered to grow, lead, and find belonging—while making a meaningful impact in their community. This will be key to maintaining and elevating the program’s success both on and off the pitch. The foundation is strong, and the future is bright. I can’t wait to get started.”

Since taking the helm at MSVU, Cyr transformed the Mystics into a powerhouse in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA), leading the team to three ACAA championships (2024, 2022, and 2018) and two undefeated conference seasons (2024 and 2022). Cyr has earned ACAA Coach of the Year honours twice, in 2024 and 2021, while amassing an impressive 59-13-24 regular-season record. Under Cyr’s guidance, the Mystics competed in conference championships every season, solidifying their status as consistent contenders.

In addition to their on-field achievements, Cyr has made significant contributions to the broader soccer community. They have coached provincial and regional development teams with Soccer Nova Scotia and the Canada Soccer Regional EXCEL program and served as Director of Soccer for Team Mi’kmaw Nova Scotia at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Cyr’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and reconciliation has been a driving force behind their leadership in sport.

“Danielle’s remarkable track record speaks for itself,” said Brian Finniss, Acadia’s Director of Athletics. “Their commitment to fostering personal and athletic growth, combined with their dedication to equity and inclusion, makes them the perfect fit to lead the Axewomen soccer program. We are thrilled to welcome Danielle to Acadia and look forward to the future of Axewomen soccer under their leadership.”

Beyond the pitch, Cyr is an accomplished educator, researcher, and consultant, specializing in strategic public relations, diversity management, and leadership development. They teach at MSVU and have been instrumental in equipping the next generation of coaches through programs with U SPORTS and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Cyr’s research on leadership, team culture, and gender equity in sport has earned international recognition, including the SSDRC Safe Sport Research Grant and the International Award for Excellence from the International Journal of Sport and Society.

As Cyr prepares to begin this exciting new chapter with the Axewomen, Acadia Athletics also extends heartfelt congratulations to Amit Batra, who has been named Sporting Director for Halifax Tides FC as they gear up for their inaugural season. Batra’s leadership over the past 16 seasons has been instrumental in shaping the Axewomen soccer program, and we wish him every success in his new role.