Heart of the Axe: Jenna Lake

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 fourth-year volleyball Axewoman and psychology major Jenna Lake who joined the Axewomen in 2021-22. Lake was named the AUS championship MVP in 2024 after the Axewomen won the program's first championship on home court. 

Sports have always played a significant role in my life.

Growing up in a household full of athletes made it inevitable.

My mom was a university volleyball player, my older brother played for York University, and I have another brother currently in the training pool for Team Newfoundland.

All three of us (mom, older brother and Jenna) played for Team Newfoundland in the Canada Games, which was a pretty cool experience.

Being able to share the love of the sport within our family, and having that common bond, has been incredibly special.

My dad, on the other hand, played hockey, so there was always a competitive spirit in our household.

Starting out with volleyball by mom coached me, but when she was diagnosed with cancer, my dad and brother stepped up to support her.

They took on the role of coaching and as a group continued to nurture my love for the sport.

Volleyball became a constant presence in my life, and it was always a topic of conversation at the dinner table.

Growing up, I couldn’t imagine a future without playing volleyball at the university level.

Thanks to Michelle Wood, my coach at Acadia University, I have the opportunity to pursue that dream.

It’s a dream come true, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to represent Acadia on the court.

A perfect fit

The recruiting process can be daunting, but for me, it was a smooth and exciting journey.

Michelle first reached out to me when I was in Grade 10, right before attending the 18U nationals.

After a few phone calls, I decided to visit the Acadia campus in Grade 11.

During my recruitment trip, I got to explore the campus and stay with some of the first-year players in residence.

One particular memory stands out — attending a basketball game with the girls. The atmosphere was electric, and the sense of camaraderie was infectious.

It was a feeling I wanted to be a part of.

The small-town charm of Wolfville also captured my heart.

It felt like the perfect fit for me.

I knew right then and there that Acadia was where I wanted to spend my university years.

The transition from high school to university life can be challenging, but the support I received from my teammates and coaching staff made all the difference.

They made the transition as smooth as possible, helping me balance tougher schoolwork with an increased training schedule.

Having a great group of friends outside of the team also provided a much-needed support system.

Those connections became my rock, especially during my first year.

Witnessing my brother navigate his university journey also gave me a glimpse of what to expect.

Learning from his experiences helped me prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

That’s why I’ve always felt at home at Acadia right from the very beginning.

Memories and lessons

Reflecting on my time at Acadia, one memory stands out above the rest — winning the AUS championship in our home gym.

The atmosphere was electric, and the feeling of victory was indescribable.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I will cherish forever.

I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced such a high point in my athletic career.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place.

But amidst the victories and celebrations, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way.

After nationals last year, I received the heartbreaking news that my mom’s cancer had returned.

Being apart from her during such a difficult time was incredibly tough.

But the support I received from my team and friends was nothing short of extraordinary.

They became my second family, offering unconditional love and support.

It was through this experience that I learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely care.

The connections and relationships I’ve made at Acadia have made all the difference in my journey.

Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Beyond the court

As I continue my journey at Acadia, I want to share a piece of advice with aspiring athletes: find a place that truly feels right for you.

It’s not just about the sport; it’s about finding an environment where you feel supported and valued both on and off the court.

When you find the right fit, everything else falls into place.

Looking beyond my university career, I’m not entirely sure where life will take me.

I want to keep my options open and see where this journey leads.

But one thing is for certain — my time at Acadia has shaped me into the person I am today.

The lessons I’ve learned, the memories I’ve created, and the support I’ve received will forever be a part of who I am.

I hope to continue making an impact both on and off the court, including inspiring future athletes.

For now, I’m focused on making the most of my time at Acadia and embracing every opportunity that comes my way.

With my family, teammates, and friends by my side, I know I can conquer any challenge that comes my way.