Former Wesmen guard Samantha Meban commits to Acadia Axewomen basketball

The Acadia Axewomen basketball program has added shooting, experience and academic excellence with the commitment of Regina, Sask., native Samantha Meban for the upcoming Atlantic University Sport season.

Meban, a five-foot-eight guard, joins the Axewomen after two seasons with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen in Canada West competition. She will study biology at Acadia with the intention of pursuing a career in nursing.

Before beginning her university career, Meban developed through several successful basketball programs in Saskatchewan and Ontario. She spent the 2022-23 season with Lo-Ellen Park Prep in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association before returning to Regina to compete for Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School.

During her senior season at LeBoldus, Meban served as team captain and helped guide the program to a provincial championship. She was also part of provincial championship teams at both LeBoldus and Campbell Collegiate, capturing two Saskatchewan high school titles during her career.

Meban also represented Team Saskatchewan and participated in the province's Targeted Athlete Strategy (TAS) program, competing alongside some of the top young players in the province.

At the University of Winnipeg, Meban continued to grow as both a student and athlete. A recipient of the Barry and Lynn Jones Wesmen Athletic Scholarship, she earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours in each of her first two years. On the court, she established herself as a reliable perimeter shooter, connecting on 30 per cent of her three-point attempts during her time with the Wesmen.

Axewomen head coach Len Harvey said Meban's skill set and desire to improve make her an exciting addition to the program.

“We're happy to be adding Sam into the group,” said Harvey. “She is an excellent shooter, and has a passion to develop her game. We're looking forward to working with her and watching her compete and grow here in Wolfville.”

Meban said Acadia's culture and sense of community stood out immediately during the recruiting process.

“I am really looking forward to getting on the court with this team,” she said. “I have family on the East Coast, so it was important to me to be close to them, and after my first call with coach Harvey I knew Acadia was where I wanted to be.

“The work ethic and culture of this team stood out right away, and it already feels like family. Acadia is a place where I will be pushed both athletically and academically, and I can’t wait to get started.”