Heart of the Axe: Leah Adams

I've been playing soccer for as long as I can remember.

There's actually a picture of me as a newborn watching a soccer game. My parents both played soccer at the university level, so I was born into the sport.

I started playing on a team when I was four years old and have been playing ever since.

My love for soccer eventually led me to Acadia University. I joined the Axewomen in 2020 and have been committed to the team ever since.

In the middle of my fourth season with the Axewomen, I'm honoured to be named team captain again. It's a role I take very seriously, and I'm committed to leading our team to success.

Why I chose Acadia

When I was being recruited, I chose Acadia for a few key reasons.

First and foremost, I was impressed by the university's soccer program. I wanted to play for a competitive team that had a strong record of success, and Acadia fit the bill.

I was also drawn to the school's kinesiology program, which has an excellent reputation. After graduating in 2024 from the kinesiology program, as I was thinking of what was next – I knew Acadia's education program was the next step for me.

As a student-athlete, it was important to me to find a university that would allow me to excel both academically and athletically, and Acadia offered me that opportunity.

In addition to the athletics and academics, I was also attracted to the close-knit community at Acadia. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped foot on campus, and I knew this was a place where I could grow and thrive.

As I look back on my decision to come to Acadia, I can say with confidence that it was the best choice I could have made.

A leader on and off the field

I've learned a lot during my time at Acadia, both on and off the field.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of resiliency.

Soccer is a challenging sport, and at the university level, it's even more demanding. There have been moments of defeat and frustration, but I've learned to keep pushing forward and maintain a positive attitude.

As a team captain, I try to lead by example and encourage my teammates to stay resilient as well.

We're all in this together, and our unity and determination will help us overcome any obstacle.

Becoming a leader on and off the field has been a significant part of my journey at Acadia.

I've learned to stay strong and focused, no matter what comes my way.

Memories that will last a lifetime 

As I reflect on my time at Acadia so far, I'm filled with gratitude for all the memories I've made.

Winning the AUS championship in 2021 is definitely one of the highlights of my soccer career. It was a goal we had set as a team, and we were able to achieve it through hard work and dedication.

The bond I share with my teammates is something I'll always cherish. We've been through so much together, and our friendship and support for one another have been a driving force behind our success.

In addition to the victories, I've also learned a lot from the defeats.

Losing is never easy, but it's a part of the game. I've learned to accept defeat graciously and use it as motivation to come back even stronger.

My time at Acadia has taught me to be resilient in the face of adversity, and I'll carry that lesson with me into the future.

Advice for aspiring student-athletes

To all the young athletes out there who are trying to decide where to play university soccer, my advice to you is this: find a place that feels like home.

When I visited Acadia for the first time, I knew it was the right fit for me. The campus was beautiful, the team was welcoming, and I could picture myself succeeding here.

Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to follow your heart. University is a big step, and it's important to find a place where you feel comfortable and supported.

If you're willing to put in the hard work, stay focused, and remain resilient, you can achieve great things as a student-athlete.

As I continue my journey at Acadia, I'm grateful for the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned.

I'm excited to see what the rest of my time at Acadia holds, and I'm looking forward to making more memories with my team.

Thank you, Acadia, for everything so far. I'm proud to be an Axewoman, and I'll always carry the lessons I've learned here with me, on and off the field.

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.