Grant returns for fifth year in women’s rugby after leading Axewomen to first title since 2015
Acadia Axewomen star Sara Grant has graduated, but her rugby career with the Axewomen isn’t over. The Melrose, N.B., native, who helped deliver Acadia its first AUS women’s rugby championship since 2015, is back for a fifth year after being accepted into the university’s Education program.
Grant, who graduated this spring with a degree in psychology, finished her time at Acadia as the top scorer in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference last season, league MVP, and conference champion. The title added to a career that included two U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian selections and four AUS all-star nods.
“That last game was everything,” Grant said of the 2024 AUS final against St. Francis Xavier, where Acadia gave up a 24-5 halftime lead before rallying late to win 29-25.
“Even in the dying seconds when we were down, I never thought we were going to lose. My team meant the entire world to me, and the resilience they showed was incredible.”
Grant’s journey began in Melrose, N.B., where her older sister first introduced her to rugby. She picked up the sport in Grade 9, playing sevens before transitioning to fifteens.
“We had never heard of rugby until my sister started,” said Grant.
“Like all little sisters, I had to follow in her footsteps. After we won a beach sevens tournament together, I thought, ‘Oh my God, what is this sport? I love it so much.’”
With few rugby opportunities near her hometown, she leaned on the provincial programs in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which opened doors to post-secondary play. A visit to Wolfville eventually sealed her decision to attend Acadia.
“I remember telling my mom in high school I’d never go to Acadia because I hated walking the hill up to the dorms,” she said.
“But after spending more time here and chatting with Coach Durant, I realized I could fall in love with this place and I did.”
As an undergrad, Grant paired rugby excellence with her studies, keeping her sights on working in education. Inspired by her own teachers in small-town schools who doubled as coaches, she hopes to teach elementary students.
“They had a big influence on me, both as a person and an athlete,” she said.
“I want to be that person for younger people” .
On the field, she emerged as a leader, serving as captain for her final two seasons. She looked up to veterans like Annie Kennedy and Mary Elena during her rookie year and wanted to carry on their legacy.
“Our philosophy was always to be the most courageous, the bravest and the toughest,” said Grant.
“That’s what the older players embodied for me, and I wanted to do the same for the next generation.”
Grant has also represented Canada, suiting up for the national U20 fifteens in 2023. Away from rugby, she has stayed connected to her roots by fishing alongside her parents, who are lobster fishers.
“The sunsets are incredible, and it’s special to spend that extra time with family on the water,” she said.
For all the accolades, Grant says she never measured herself by rigid goals.
“I don’t like to limit myself,” she said.
“I always told myself I wanted to be the best I can be. Wherever that gets me, that’s my goal. But obviously, representing Canada is always up there. To be part of this Axewomen legacy, there’s nothing like it. I’ll never take it for granted.”