Hall Bound: Slevinsky’s journey from Acadia rugby to the world stage

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Former Acadia Axewomen rugby standout Janna Slevinsky has been named a 2025 inductee into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame.

The Edmonton, Alta., native joined the Axewomen in 2011 and made an immediate impact. She earned AUS All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Her university career set the stage for international success. Slevinsky went on to represent Canada in 15s and, in 2018, was named Rugby Canada’s Senior Women’s Player of the Year, one of the sport’s highest honours.

“This induction is a reminder to me that following your passions and putting your whole heart into something can lead to some pretty incredible things,” Slevinsky said. “It is representative of a legacy created with my teammates to pursue success despite the odds.”

Finding Acadia

Growing up in Edmonton, Slevinsky never imagined playing at Acadia—or one day entering its Hall of Fame.

She first learned of the university when then head coach Matt Durant reached out about joining the rugby program.

“Being from Edmonton, I was unfamiliar with the school,” she said. “It only took one Google search of Acadia and Wolfville for me to be convinced that it was the perfect fit. I knew I wanted to attend school away from home and was drawn to the small university experience that Acadia offers.”

Slevinsky adapted quickly and thrived both on and off the field. Among her most memorable moments was helping Acadia defeat STFX, a perennial powerhouse.

“They had been so dominant in the AUS for so long,” she said. “It felt monumental, and it was so special to share that moment with my teammates who had become my second family.”

Rising to the next level

After her time at Acadia, Slevinsky earned a spot with Team Canada, launching a five-year international career that also included playing professionally in England.

The jump to the highest levels of rugby wasn’t easy.

“My focus was to keep saying yes to opportunities that presented themselves and to continuously find ways to improve both on and off the field,” she said.

Her persistence was rewarded in 2018 with Rugby Canada’s top individual honour. Still, Slevinsky credits Acadia for laying the foundation.

“I owe a lot to Acadia and the trajectory it set me on in all aspects of my life,” she said. “I am a very proud alum, and it is such an honour to be invited back in celebration.”

Life after rugby

Since retiring, Slevinsky has built a career in occupational therapy, shifting her focus to helping others reach their goals.

She hopes her Hall of Fame induction will inspire the next generation of Axewomen and Axemen.

“Acadia is the place where I discovered so much about myself and realized who I wanted to become,” she said. “The mentorship available from coaches, staff, professors, and peers helped me build confidence, critical thinking skills, and appreciation for the community around me. My time at Acadia taught me how valuable it is to create genuine relationships and connect with others.”

Her advice to young student-athletes is straightforward.

“Surround yourself with people who have similar intentions and are supportive. From there, establish goals, manage priorities, and put in the extra bit of effort,” she said. “I would remind them to make sure they are enjoying the process because it is too much work to not love what you’re doing.”

The 2025 Acadia Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at Festival Theatre in Wolfville, N.S., as part of Acadia’s Homecoming weekend.
Event registration and ticket information is available here.