Heart of the Axe: Nate Thompson

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 second-year swimmer and business administration major Nate Thompson. Thompson talks about his early time here at Acadia, what he has enjoyed thus far and what his hopes for the future are. 

I initially committed to Acadia University without making a single visit or having any interaction with the coaches or athletes.

I just knew it was the right place for me.

And I’m so glad I was right.

While I’ve only been at Acadia for a short while, it’s already becoming a place I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

The campus is beautiful, the people are great, and I’m having the time of my life both academically and athletically.

I’m looking forward to more wins in the pool, but what I’m really excited about is the lifelong friendships I’ve made and will continue to make at this great institution.

My journey to Acadia

Even though I didn’t visit Acadia before committing, my recruitment process was still an exciting one.

Growing up in Oakville, Ontario, I always knew I wanted to venture beyond my home province and experience something new. As I explored options, I had conversations with a few schools on the East Coast, including UNB, Mount A, and Dalhousie.

One moment stood out during this process—it became clear to me that not everyone believed I had what it took to compete at a high level. Instead of letting that discourage me, it fueled my determination to prove otherwise.

When I eventually made the trip out here and visited Acadia, everything clicked. I knew I had found the right place for me.

Committing early in the process was an easy decision, and it was such a relief to know where I’d be swimming next.

Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with the choice I made. Every step of this journey has only reaffirmed how much I love being here—especially when I get to show how far I’ve come in the pool.

Transitioning to university

The transition from high school to university wasn’t easy, but it was a lot smoother than I anticipated.

I was eager for a fresh start, and that’s exactly what I got.

I remember the first few nights here were a little rough. I was homesick and missed my family, but that changed pretty quickly.

Two of the guys on the team invited me to a cafe one morning, and we just hung out and talked for hours.

Those two guys are now my roommates and some of my best friends, and them inviting me out that one day made the transition so much easier.

From that point on, I felt more comfortable knowing I had friends that supported me and wanted the best for me.

And as I reflect on my time at Acadia so far, that’s what I’ve enjoyed most — the friendships and connections I’ve made.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.

A pivotal moment

There’s one moment – so far – that I’ll always remember in the pool that really defined my time here at Acadia so far.

It was in a 4x200 freestyle relay against Dalhousie, and we were trying to get our U SPORTS time standard so we could go to Montreal to compete.

I went second, and we were neck-and-neck with Dalhousie.

On the final leg, we had a pretty good lead, but Dalhousie’s anchor was the fastest in the conference — faster than any of us.

We did get out-touched for first, but both us and Dalhousie got our U SPORTS time standard.

I remember looking back at our Acadia teammates after the race, and everyone was cheering and so hyped.

We lost, but we got a medal out of it, got good points, and we made U SPORTS.

I remember our coach, Kris, telling us he was so nervous for that race because he knew we had it in us.

And honestly, that race was such a big confidence booster for me because Kris knew we had it in us, and we proved him right.

He’s been such a great coach and inspiration for all of us.

Looking ahead

I’ve enjoyed every second of my Acadia experience so far, and I’m looking forward to more memories with my friends and teammates.

I’m determined to keep working hard and improving in everything I do, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I’ll continue to strive for greatness in and out of the pool, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to do it at this great university.

I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve received, and I’ll continue to give it everything I have.

That’s what’s expected of us as Axemen, and I’m proud to be a part of this amazing community.