Leslie hired as Acadia University men’s basketball head coach

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia University and Acadia Athletics announced today the hiring of Michael Leslie as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. He recently served as the Axemen's interim head coach. Leslie brings a wealth of experience as an educator, basketball coach and administrator.

"We were very pleased with the level and experience of the candidates interested in this position but as we went through the interview process, it became clear that Mike stood out as the right person to lead this program," said Brian Finniss, Director of Athletics at Acadia University.

"Mike took on a difficult job of leading a program that was in flux this past season and he created a competitive team that challenged every opponent. But more than just the growth we saw on the court, was the growth we saw off the court. It will help build the foundation needed to return Acadia men's basketball back to where it belongs, competing for and winning AUS and U SPORTS medals. I look forward to working with and watching Mike continue to build this program and contribute to the Acadia Athletic department and Acadia community."

Prior to his arrival at Acadia as the interim coach of the men's basketball team for the 2021-22 season, Leslie was the President and General Manager of the Halifax Hurricanes basketball club before COVID-19 suspended play of the National Basketball League (NBL).

Leslie coached the Hurricanes from 2016 to 2019 before moving to the front office. He returned to the bench seven games into the 2019-20 campaign. Leslie was named the 2017-18 NBL Canada Coach of the Year and during his tenure was named the NBL Coach of the Month five times.

From 2012 to 2016, Leslie was an assistant coach with the Island Storm of the NBL and is a former President and Director of Elite Development with Basketball PEI and a coach with the Canada Basketball Atlantic High-Performance program.

Leslie has an extensive background as an educator in the P.E.I. educational system that preceded his passion as a basketball coach.

"Coaching at the U SPORTS level is indeed a privilege and especially at Acadia University with its storied history and academic excellence. I look forward to beginning the process of building an excellence-driven basketball program over the coming years," said Leslie.

Finniss is appreciative of the effort by those who assisted in the process of hiring a new coach. "I would also like to thank the hiring committee for your time and dedication to this process and for helping to find the right person to lead the men's basketball program forward."