Minelli brings pro experience to Axewomen

Acadia University is thrilled to announce the addition of Bianca Minelli to the Axewomen basketball program for the 2024-25 season.

A dynamic wing player from Brescia, Italy, Minelli brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of success on the court. Standing 5’11, Minelli has honed her skills in some of Italy's top leagues, including Serie A1 and Serie A2 of Lega Basket.

"We have been working on Bianca's recruitment for a while now, and we are so happy she's decided to take the big step to come to Acadia to play and study," said Axewomen head coach Len Harvey. "She's an incredibly dynamic wing player who provides a lot of skills that we were hoping to add in our recruiting class this season. Playing in both Serie A and Serie B of Lega Basket in Italy, her experience playing against and with world-class competition will undoubtedly be a benefit to our team. We're really excited to welcome her to Wolfville."

Most recently, Minelli played for Pallacanestro Vigarano in Serie A2 after spending previous seasons with Brixia Basket, where she competed in both the U18/U19 Elite leagues and Serie A1.

During her time with Brixia Basket, her team secured two third-place finishes and one fourth-place finish in the national championships. They also reached the quarterfinals of the national championship in Serie A2.

Minelli's impressive individual achievements include a career-high of 29 points in a Serie B game, showcasing her ability to perform at a high level in competitive settings.

"This is a huge step for me, and I can't wait to dive into both the sports and academic life," said Minelli. "I am ready to work hard and be what my team needs. Being part of this university is all about pushing my limits and having new experiences."

The Axewomen open their regular season on Oct. 30 against Saint Mary’s on the road, but will be home the weekend of Oct. 4-6 to host a trio of games against the Waterloo Warriors, Regina Cougars and Saint Mary’s Huskies.