From Abu Dhabi to the Axemen: Khalid Soliman’s unlikely football journey

As convocation approaches, Khalid Soliman is taking time to reflect on a university journey unlike any other. From Abu Dhabi, Soliman came to Acadia with a computer science degree in mind—and a dream of playing varsity soccer. But when that path didn’t pan out, a chance encounter in meal hall led him somewhere entirely unexpected: the football field. Despite having never played the sport before, Soliman committed fully, transforming himself into an offensive lineman and earning his spot on the Acadia Axemen. Now, as he prepares to graduate and explore career options in tech, he’s also leaving the door open for one more season in the jersey that changed his life.

When I think about my journey to Acadia University and my time as a member of the Acadia Axemen football team, it’s hard to believe it’s all coming to an end.

As a graduating senior, these past four years have been some of the best years of my life and have shaped me into the man I am today.

The decision to come to Acadia University was one of the easiest choices I’ve ever made. I’ll never forget sitting in a classroom at Abu Dhabi Grammar School, in the United Arab Emirates, when a teacher with an Acadia University connection changed the course of my life.

My teacher, Katie Broome, was an Acadia graduate and played a massive role in my decision to attend Acadia to study computer science. She taught me so much about the school, the community, and what it stands for — it left a lasting impression on me.

Acadia quickly became my top choice, and I was determined to give everything I had to make it here.

Making the connection with the Axemen

I always had the desire to play a varsity sport at the university level, and my sights were set on joining the men’s soccer team here at Acadia.

I worked incredibly hard, losing 75 pounds over the course of a year, to give myself the best shot. But despite all the effort, things didn’t work out as planned.

Then, one random day in 2021, I was eating at meal hall with my buddy when he ran into Coach Cummins. The coach asked if we were interested in playing football. My buddy joked and said, “Khalid’s a soccer guy.” But that moment stuck with me.

The very next day, I walked into Coach Cummins’ office and told him I wanted to join the team. I had never played football before, and it was a serious uphill battle. I ended up gaining back all the weight I had lost, this time to play on the offensive line.

It was a brand new sport, a brand new challenge, but I gave it everything I had. Eventually, I earned my first dress for homecoming during the 2022-23 season.

Putting on that Axemen jersey for the first time felt amazing. It was a moment of pride and validation that all the hard work had paid off.

The significance of Acadia

Being a part of the Acadia Axemen football team has been an incredible experience.

I’m so grateful to the coaches, staff, and my teammates for always believing in me and giving me a chance.

Coach Honeywood, our offensive line coach, has been especially impactful in my development on the field. He’s given me so much of his time and has gone above and beyond to ensure I was improving. Without his support and guidance, I wouldn’t have become the football player I am today.

Being a varsity athlete has completely shaped the way I approach life, both in and out of the classroom. It taught me discipline, time management, and how to push through challenges even when things get tough.

Balancing academics and football forced me to stay focused, plan ahead, and hold myself accountable, not just for my performance on the field but for my success as a computer science student as well.

More than anything, football taught me resilience. Coming into a sport I had never played before, having to earn every rep and prove myself from scratch, built a level of mental toughness I never knew I had. It showed me the value of hard work, being coachable, and never backing down from something just because it’s uncomfortable.

I’m walking away from this experience not just with a computer science degree but as a stronger and more confident person overall.

Memorable moments

There have been so many unforgettable moments playing for the Acadia Axemen.

One of my favorite memories would definitely be earning my first start for Acadia. It was during the third game of the 2023-24 season, and it was truly an unforgettable moment.

Just two years prior, I had never even played football, so to be starting in an important regular season game meant the world to me. That day, I finally felt like I had truly earned the respect of my coaches and teammates. I wasn’t an outsider in the sport anymore.

I belonged.

I made mistakes that game, no doubt, but it felt like the training wheels had come off. I was ready to prove myself and cement my place on the team.

Another moment I’ll never forget was my first dress for homecoming. When I ran out of the tunnel and saw the stands completely packed, it gave me chills. I had never felt anything like that before. The energy, the noise, the support — it made everything I had gone through feel worth it.

Even after the game, random people on campus came up to me to say congratulations. Some of them I didn’t even know. That kind of love and support reminded me that I wasn’t just playing for myself, but for a whole community that truly cared and had my back. It made me proud to represent Acadia every time I stepped on the field.

A piece of advice

If I could give any advice to my first-year self or a future Acadia athlete, it would be to work hard, stay humble, and be coachable.

You don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect right away, but if you’re willing to listen, learn, and give everything you’ve got, the coaches and your teammates will notice.

One thing I’ve learned is that growth isn’t a straight line. There will be highs and there will definitely be lows. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world and others you’ll question everything, but that’s part of the journey. Trust the process, stay locked in, and keep showing up. If you take feedback seriously, stay focused, and stay hungry, you’ll earn your place and become the athlete and person you’re meant to be.

Life after Acadia

Looking to the future, I’m actively searching for a job where I can apply my computer science degree, but I’m also talking with the coaches about the possibility of coming back to play football.

The idea of returning for one more season is something I’m seriously considering, and I’m keeping that door open while I explore career opportunities.

Career-wise, I’m especially interested in cybersecurity and software development. I’ve worked hard to build the technical and problem-solving skills needed in those areas, and I’m excited to take that into the real world.

Acadia has prepared me in every way. Being both a student and an athlete taught me how to manage pressure, stay disciplined, and keep pushing forward even when things get tough. I’ve grown a lot here, and I feel confident stepping into whatever comes next, whether that’s in the workplace or back on the field.

No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry the lessons and experiences I’ve gained at Acadia University with me.

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the friendships I’ve made, and the memories I’ve created. Acadia will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll forever be proud to be an Acadia Axemen.