Axewomen Soccer announce recruiting class ahead of 2019-20 season opener

With nearly 20 returning players this season, Coach Batra's focus was on adding a few high-quality recruits to complement last year's 10-1-1 team. One such key addition is Swiler Boyd, hailing from near Dallax, Texas.  "We have a veteran keeper core in Spencer Skinner and Sarah Charnock and needed to bring in a new keeper who could compete to replace Nicole (McInnis) who graduated last year. We're very happy to have Swiler – she fit in immediately on the field and in the locker, which is not easy to do coming from so far away but all credit to her for her work ethic and attitude right off the bat."

Boyd who chose Acadia after considering some Ivy League schools in the US, has enrolled in Acadia's Computer Science program. "Having grown up in Texas, attending a college with a small, tight knit community is very important for me. Additionally, I wanted to attend a school that would allow me to continue playing soccer at a high level while engaging in a competitive academic environment. I believe that Acadia has all of these things."

A graduate of the Hockaday prep school in Dallas, she led her school team to the Southern Preparatory Conference Final in her last year and was also named to her club's (FCUSA Texas 01G) All-Star Team during the 2018 season.  "It's great to continue to attract such a strong caliber of student-athlete and we can't wait to see her grow during her time here" added Coach Batra.

Bolstering the defensive side of the team is former Canada Games and Regional Excel program athlete Mya Harnish.  Soccer Nova Scotia's female soccer athlete of the year in 2017, Mya garnered national team attention after several years in the IGNITE Regional Excel program and being named to the Canada Games Top 11 during their bronze medal win in 2017.  "There's no question Mya brings experience beyond her years and has already shown her defensive maturity and ability to disrupt opponent attacks during the exhibition season.  She can play anywhere in the back line and adds energy to our midfield if called upon as well."

Harnish was asked about her selection process, "After exploring several USA Division One opportunities, I opted for Wolfville after thoroughly enjoying a day tour organized by Acadia. The atmosphere around the school and soccer program is awesome. I am excited to start the BSc program, enjoy the wonderful community of Wolfville, play for the Acadia Axewomen soccer team, join many friends at Acadia and play alongside my older sister Madicynn Harnish."

Harnish will indeed be joined by her sister Madicynn who transferred last winter from Jacksonville University in Florida after playing two seasons in NCAA Division I.  The last time the two sisters played together was while representing Nova Scotia at the 2017 Canada Games.  Madicynn's performance at the games earned her a call-up to the Canadian U20 National Team squad before leaving for JU. Last year in 2018, she was named to the USA Division I All-star team.  "After attending Jacksonville University in Florida in 2017 and 2018 I transferred to Acadia to continue studies in a BSc, play with former teammates on the Acadia Axewomen, reacquaint with old friends, enjoy campus life at Acadia, enjoy the wonderful off campus community of Wolfville and finish my playing career alongside my sister Mya Harnish"

"Madicynn brings maturity and composure on the ball that the rest of the team feeds off. She brings a high level of awareness to the game and is very resolute on the defensive side of the ball. Her transition between attack and defense and vice-versa is excellent" stated Batra.

Former CP Allen Rookie of the Year Grace Longley completes the list of strong recruits to the program this fall. A perennial provincial team member, Longley brings versatility and consequently depth to the squad.  Batra stated "I think Grace has continued to grow as a player in the last two seasons and she immediately has shown herself to be comfortable in every position and beyond that, she's been willing to do what it takes to help the team. She doesn't shy away from any challenges and that type of attitude will only help her make an impact on the team." For Longley the choice seemed clear, "I chose Acadia because I felt as though it was the perfect fit for me. The campus is amazing and the soccer team has a very hardworking, competitive environment which is exactly the kind of team I want to be a part of."

As an added bonus, both Mya and Grace have been teammates in the REX program, NS Provincial Program, and are Suburban Soccer club graduates. "They've been well coached at the club by Jared Griffiths, Matt Blair, and Andrew MacDonald over the years and have been to Nationals four times in a row. In 2018 the team claimed a national bronze medal" says Batra.  Friday night's home opener promises to have a lot of familiar faces on both sides of the ball, with Mount Allison also featuring three graduates of the Suburban soccer program.  "It's always an exciting time of the year for everyone and we're looking forward to a great crowd and a great match against a very competitive Mountie Team on Friday night" stated Batra.