Local Julia Akao commits to Axewomen soccer for 2026 season

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Acadia Axewomen soccer program has added one of Nova Scotia’s top young talents with the commitment of forward Julia Akao of New Minas, N.S., for the 2026 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season. 

Standing 5'3, Akao brings a strong scoring touch, athleticism, and versatility to the Axewomen lineup. She has been part of both the Whitecaps FC Academy and the Nova Scotia Provincial Program since the age of 13, developing into one of the province’s most dynamic attacking players. 

In 2025, Akao represented Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Games, helping her team capture the bronze medal while finishing as Nova Scotia’s top goal scorer at the tournament. At the club level, she grew up playing with Valley United and more recently finished her youth career playing with UDFC U17AAA, where her consistent scoring and creative playmaking have made her one of the program’s key offensive threats. 

Akao has also excelled at the high school level with Horton High School, earning Rookie of the Year and Junior Athlete of the Year honours in Grade 9. A true multi-sport athlete, she has competed in volleyball, basketball, squash, and track and field, earning recognition across several disciplines. 

Head coach Danielle Cyr said Akao’s competitiveness and composure in key moments make her a valuable addition to the Axewomen program. 

“Julia is an exceptional multi-sport athlete and a game changer on the pitch,” said Cyr. “She has been tested in big moments in big games and finds a way to put the ball in the back of the net. Working with Julia the past few years with Team Nova Scotia, I’ve seen her ability to build strong relationships with teammates and know she’ll help elevate our program and impact both on the field and in the community. It’s exciting to welcome a homegrown talent to Acadia and we can’t wait to see her career as an Axewoman officially start.” 

Akao said her decision to commit to Acadia was driven by the school’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. 

“I chose Acadia because when I met the team, I could already see the role I’d play and how I’d fit in,” she said. “I connected right away with the players, and I love how well the program I’m pursuing is organized. You can really feel the support at their games — the atmosphere and community in Wolfville are amazing.” 

Akao will enrol in kinesiology with a minor in math, and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education after graduation with hopes of becoming a high school math or physics teacher.