More than the jersey: Allison Van Zeumeren and the meaning of team

Now in her third year with the Axewomen volleyball program, Allison Van Zeumeren has embraced the responsibility that comes with wearing the jersey. A member of Acadia’s historic 2023-24 AUS championship team, the first conference title in program history, Van Zeumeren was also recognized on the AUS All-Rookie team that season. As she continues her journey at Acadia, the Kinesiology student reflects on family, leadership, and the belief that success is built through shared effort, trust, and commitment to something bigger than any individual.

Wearing the Axewomen jersey is more than a privilege; it’s a responsibility.

You carry the legacy of the athletes who came before you, the ones who built this program into what it is today.

It’s a reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Every time I put on that jersey, I feel the weight of that responsibility.

It’s not just about my journey or my personal achievements.

It’s about contributing to the collective success of this team and continuing the legacy of those who paved the way.

Roots, Role Models, and Standards

Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, and later in Amaranth, I was fortunate to have role models right at home.

Watching my two older sisters play volleyball, I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

They set the standards high and showed me what it meant to be committed, disciplined, and passionate about the sport.

Their influence shaped my competitive spirit and instilled in me the values that continue to guide me both on and off the court.

Why Acadia Felt Right

When it came time to choose a university, Acadia stood out for two main reasons.

First, the location - Wolfville’s small-town charm and tight-knit community immediately appealed to me. I’ve never been a city person, and Wolfville felt like home from the moment I arrived.

Second, the team culture. I wanted to be part of a program where strong relationships were a priority, and I knew this group was close-knit.

The friendships I’ve built here have become the most meaningful part of my experience.

The Jersey, the Legacy, and the Moment

Winning the AUS championship in my first year was an incredible moment.

But it wasn’t just about the championship itself; it was about the group of people I got to share that moment with.

I had only been part of the team for a year, but I knew how much the veteran players had invested in the program.

They poured their hearts and souls into it every single day, and I was just so proud to see them wear that white hat.

Family, Teammates, and Leadership

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible influences, starting with my family.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time watching my two older sisters play volleyball. Like any younger sibling, I wanted to be just like them. It didn’t take long before I realized that volleyball was something I wanted to pursue for myself. They were my role models from the very beginning, and every time I step on the court, I continue to strive to live up to the standards they set and to follow in their footsteps.

My parents are the reason I had the opportunity to play high-level sport growing up. They’ve always been by my side, rooting for my success and pushing me to be my best, both on the court and in the classroom.

My siblings have also played a major role in getting me to where I am today. I have three older siblings who all played high-level sports growing up, two of whom also competed in U SPORTS during their time in university. I’ve always looked up to them, and they’ve always motivated me to work hard and be my best.

At Acadia, I’ve been lucky to play alongside incredible teammates and leaders. Just to name a few, Becky Dorsey, Erica Fisher, Eve Collombin, Emma De Souza, and Ella Hickey have shown me what it means to be a great athlete, teammate, and person. They’ve led in both loud and quiet ways, and I’ve learned so much from watching how they carry themselves every day.

What Team Really Means

One thing I’ve come to understand through my time at Acadia is the true importance of team.

Every individual contributes something meaningful, and each person is vital to the overall success of the program.

Success doesn’t come from one person’s actions but from the collective efforts of everyone working toward a common goal.

Wolfville as a Home Away From Home

Being an out-of-province athlete, the welcoming atmosphere in Wolfville has made this transition so much easier.

The kindness, support, and sense of community here have made Wolfville feel like a home away from home.

No matter what you’re going through, there’s always someone willing to lend a helping hand.

Competing With Intention

When I step on the court, I bring my heart with me. I’m a player who brings emotion into every game, no matter the circumstances. Whether things are going well or we’re facing challenges, I bring passion, intensity, and energy to the court, and I’m never afraid to wear my heart on my sleeve.

I hope young female athletes see this and understand that there’s never a need to shy away from being loud, passionate, and competitive. I want them to know that those qualities are strengths, not weaknesses, and that there’s space in sport for athletes who compete with emotion and authenticity.

What Comes Next

As I look to the future, my goal is to win another AUS championship.

But more importantly, I want to carry the lessons I’ve learned from this experience into the rest of my life.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a program that values team, legacy, and community.

And I know that as an Axewoman, I’ll never have to do it alone.

Our weekly student-athlete features share the stories of Axemen and Axewomen in their own words. From why they chose Acadia, to how they found their sport, to the people and moments that have shaped their journey, these first-person pieces highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Acadia’s student-athletes on and off the field.