Hoops star staying with Axewomen
Haley McDonald joins Acadia coaching staff following storied playing career
Former Acadia Axewomen basketball player Haley McDonald is heading back into the locker room, but this time as a coach.
McDonald is joining new head coach Len Harvey on the coaching staff.
She expressed her excitement about joining the team and noted she looks forward to working and learning from Harvey and the staff.
“Based on the momentum and success the program has had over the years, I’m confident that I will be challenged and pushed to grow as a coach and as a leader,” the
Port Williams native said in a news release. “I’m proud of my persistence and dedication to merging my athletic and professional careers together. This opportunity makes me excited to start my day.”
McDonald completed her five-year university basketball career with the team last year and was named the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference's MVP.
The Axewomen finished fifth at the U Sports national championship in Sydney after delivering a loss to the Calgary
Dinos in the consolation final.
McDonald was also given a send-off in front of an unprecedented sold-out women’s basketball crowd in her last home game as an Axewoman in Wolfville.
She also broke a handful of team records, including most points, field goals, free throws, three-pointers and assists in a career as well as the highest three-point field goals per game and highest free throw percentage.
‘I’m thrilled that Haley will join us on staff this season," Harvey said. "It’s certainly not an emeritus position for her, as I see a lot of potential with what she’ll be able to offer as she transitions out of her sneakers and onto the bench. She has had varied experiences within basketball at a young age, and we’ll be leaning on her to help us all continue to grow as coaches.
"Beyond that, she was a very successful coach in her year away from basketball" at Horton High School, where the Griffins made the Division 1 championship game.
The Axewomen coaching staff also includes former Axewoman Lindsay (Harris) Heelis, Beth Detienne, Adam Detienne and Thane Smith.