The Day Everything Changed for Jenna Guy

On Oct. 6, 2024, in a preseason game against the McGill Martlets, my entire world changed.
I broke my tibia and fibula in my left leg.

If there’s one thing I learned over the last year, it’s that everything I had accomplished prior to my injury could never compare to the journey I’ve been on since then.

Before this, injuries—aside from the occasional rolled ankle—were pretty foreign to me.
I had always been quite physically healthy and capable.
So, heading into surgery and recovery, I was both optimistic and a bit naïve.

In hindsight, this perspective was actually helpful.
It kept me patient for the next milestone of the recovery.

The Surgery and First Support

I was able to have surgery in Kingston the very next morning, where they put in some hardware to repair the break in my tibia.

Our interim head coach, Vanessa Chorkawy, and one of my teammates and close friends, Sophie Edgar, stayed with me as the team flew back to Nova Scotia.
I will forever be grateful for how they helped me navigate such an overwhelming experience while being away from my family.

Support That Got Me Through

I truly had no idea how big my support circle was.
Reflecting on my recovery to date, three names come to mind.

Whitney Gallant, Acadia athletic therapist, Mitchell Hayden, our strength and conditioning coach, and Michelle Wood, our head coach, were huge supports for me.

As a group, we made plans for recovery and met often to evaluate my progress.

That being said, my teammates, assistant coaches, student coaches, and therapists have also played pivotal roles in my journey.

The biggest takeaway from this experience would be that patience is truly your biggest asset while recovering from an injury.
Much easier said than done, but being patient and trusting my training helped me get through times of frustration.

I also found taking videos and pictures of my progress very helpful.
I was able to look back and see how far I had come whenever I was feeling doubtful.

Returning to Play

Hitting for the first time since my injury was an exciting milestone.
It was something we were slowly progressing to for a very long time.
I don’t remember being overly excited in the moment because everything just felt so surreal.

But I do remember coming home and watching the video of my approach for hours, so happy with how far I had come.

It took this injury for me to truly appreciate the capabilities of the body I live in.

In the early days of recovery, I struggled with the idea that my independence, athleticism and identity had been taken from me.

As I return to playing volleyball, I hope it becomes a way to celebrate what my body can do.
I’m beyond grateful to be back on the court with the Axewomen and to play the sport I love with the people I love.

Where It All Began

I was first introduced to volleyball in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where I was born and raised until I was 13.

There were often tournaments that would bring people together from all over the territory.
Some of the older teams would be looking to fill spots, so I joined in.
This is where I fell in love with volleyball.

I started to play more seriously, however, when I moved to Nova Scotia.
Growing up, one of our favourite things to do was watch the Acadia volleyball team play.

The players started to feel like celebrities to me.
I remember thinking that I would be so incredibly lucky if I was ever able to play for Acadia.

Not long after, I joined the Axe Volleyball Club and attended Acadia camps.
I was able to get to know some of my future teammates and the coaching staff through those experiences.
So, when the time finally came to make my decision, the choice felt natural.

AUS Champions

In my second year, I was lucky enough to be part of Acadia’s first AUS championship-winning team.

I will always remember the final game at home.
The atmosphere was incredible, and the stands were packed.
Such a surreal moment in my life.

I have always been very active and competitive.
Pursuing sports to the best of my ability always felt like an identity of mine.

But this season, we talked a lot about how playing university sports is a contribution to something so much bigger than yourself.

We play for the people who paved the way for us, the future of our program, and as a way to recognize all the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything possible.

This is now my source of motivation.
And that’s what got me back on the court in the first place.

My motivation comes from knowing what it feels like to be unable to do the things that once felt normal—going to classes, being active, and playing the sport I love.

That perspective makes every opportunity to improve feel like a gift.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to be back playing for the Axewomen.
I’m beyond grateful for everyone who helped me get back to this point.

For my teammates, coaches, and everyone else in my support circle, it’s an honour to play for you all.
I wouldn’t be here without you, and I’ll never take that for granted.

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.