‘I knew I was an Axewoman’: Juliette Matsukubo reflects on her Acadia journey

Juliette Matsukubo leaves Acadia as one of the top players in the AUS and a key part of one of the most successful eras in Axewomen rugby history. The Biology graduate from Ottawa capped her final season with seven tries in six conference matches and AUS all-star honours after helping Acadia capture the 2024-25 AUS championship. Over her three most recent seasons with the Axewomen, Matsukubo recorded 12 conference tries and became known not only for her impact on the field, but also for her leadership and commitment to the culture within the program. Now, following convocation, she says the friendships, growth and sense of belonging she found in Wolfville will stay with her long after her playing career ends.

When I think about graduating from Acadia University, I can’t help but feel like my time as an Axewoman is approaching the end.

While that’s true, it’s also a bit misleading because my journey here will never really end.

The friendships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, and the moments I’ve experienced will live on with me for the rest of my life.

As I reflect on these past few years, I think about how much I’ve grown as a person and athlete.

I think about how our rugby program came together to achieve something we all believed was possible.

I am beyond grateful for my time and experiences at Acadia University. I enjoyed every second.

Choosing Acadia & Early Moments

Growing up in Ottawa, I was drawn to Acadia for a few different reasons.

As a smaller university, I was excited about the prospect of having more personalized interactions with my professors and classmates.

I was also interested in the biology program and the chance to play for the Axewomen rugby team.

I remember the first time I put on the Axewomen jersey like it was yesterday.

I was so nervous.

But surrounding me, were calm senior players. Readying for an intense rugby game.

In that moment, my nerves went away, I knew I was an Axewoman and I couldn’t wait for the journey ahead.

Growth Through Experience

Academically, I learned how to manage my time and stay organized.

Athletically, I learned the importance of commitment, discipline, and performing under pressure.

In both areas, I learned one constant truth - hard work pays off.

As I grew as a student-athlete, I took on more responsibility within the team, including a leadership role.

I learned the importance of teamwork and values like inclusivity, respect, accountability, and courage.

Emphasizing these values contributed to our team’s success.

 I will carry these lessons forward into future roles, both as a player and as a coach.

Challenges & Turning Point

Throughout my time at Acadia, we faced our fair share of challenges as a team.

We lost in the semifinals one year and the finals two years before that.

It was tough, but we knew that something had to change.

Our leadership group stepped up, and we started to focus on our mental health, team bonding, and putting in extra work in the gym and on the field.

We dedicated ourselves to becoming a unified team, and it made all the difference.

The next year we won the AUS Championship.

Defining Moment

In 2024, we won the AUS Championship, and it was the most rewarding feeling ever.

That moment wasn’t just about the players on the field - it was about everyone who came before us and everyone who will come after us.

We were a family, and we accomplished something that will always be a part of our legacy.

People Who Shaped the Journey

I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of this without the support of my family, friends, and teammates.

My parents have always been my biggest fans, and they made the trip from Ottawa to watch me play whenever they could.

When they couldn’t be here in person, they live-streamed every game.

My teammates became my best friends, and we pushed each other to be our best every day.

Community & Game Day Atmosphere

The Acadia community played such a big role in our success as well.

The fans motivated us during the games, and I could always hear them cheering us on.

The staff and coaches were always there to support us, and we couldn’t have done it without them.

It gave me chills to see and hear the support we received from the community, and it made me proud to be an Axewoman.

Perspective & Advice

If I could give any advice to my first-year self or to future Acadia athletes, I’d say to take it one day at a time and enjoy every second.

It flies by, and before you know it, you’ll be graduating and reflecting on your time here.

I’m not exactly sure what my post-graduation plans are, but I’m confident that my time at Acadia has prepared me for whatever comes next.

I’ve learned how to work hard, be a part of a team, and enjoy the process.

I’ll always be connected to Acadia and my team, and I’ll make the effort to attend games and reach out to my friends.

These are friends I’ve made for life, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Because in the end, that’s what really matters.

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.