Athlete - Soccer
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019

Bedford, N.S. native Jay Robinson arrived at Acadia to play soccer for the Axemen in the fall of 1995. Over the next four seasons, he became a team leader from the midfield position as well as a respected teammate.

In Robinson’s freshman season, he helped the Axemen to their first playoff appearance in years. In his second year Robinson was a key member of the first-ever conference championship in men’s soccer leading to a berth in the CIAU national tournament at York University in Toronto.

According to former teammate Jeff Aucoin, if there was a word to describe Jay Robinson as a player, “it would be smooth.”

Despite having “the boyish looks of a ninth-grader,” he played with “a veteran presence from day one” at Acadia. “He played the game the right way and was captivating to watch.”

Robinson earned his first of what would end up being three AUAA all-star selections in 1997. He repeated as an all-conference performer in 1998, and that same year was selected as a CIAU First Team All-Canadian.

He is described as an extremely technical player who played with incredible composure. He played key minutes for the Axemen from day one of his career, whether as a midfielder or a back-line defender and according to Jeff Aucoin, “simply never panicked, no matter what the situation or how important the game.”

After his graduation from Acadia in 1999, Robinson moved on to Saint Mary’s where he played a fifth and final varsity season in the fall of 2000, earning Team MVP, a third AUAA All-star, and CIAU First Team All Canadian, and the CIAU Men’s championship game.

Head coach John Kehoe noted Robinson’s natural leadership as one of his biggest assets. “Jay was a vocal leader who also lead by example. He had a high level of commitment to both Acadia soccer and to the overall game of soccer. His passion to play and be successful where tremendous assists in the Acadia program. Jay’s focus during the games and practices was inspiring to his teammates. His overall knowledge allowed him to be in the right position at all times. The respect he developed from his teammates allowed him to be a key leader on and off the field.”

Since the end of his university soccer career, Robinson has remained active in the game, both as a senior player and youth coach. A perennial NSSL All-Star, In 2012 he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame as a member of Halifax King of Donair 2001 Canadian National Champions team.

The Acadia Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to induct, in the Athlete category, Jay Robinson, a three-time conference All-Star, two-time First Team All-Canadian, and one of the best Axemen soccer players of his generation.