Former Axewomen standout Wesley-Ann Bailey signs professional contract in Slovenia

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Former Acadia Axewomen volleyball player Wesley-Ann Bailey has signed her first professional contract, joining SIP Sempeter of the Slovenia Premier League.

Bailey will be based in the village of Šempeter v Savinjski Dolini, marking her first time competing overseas.

The signing process

The opportunity came quickly for Bailey, who thought she had already stepped away from the game.

“After the 2023-24 season I had come off a good year and had an agent reach out, which was a shock to me because when I think of athletes who go pro, I think of the Taylor Collombins of the world,” she explained. “At the time, it wasn’t for me because I had decided to come back to Acadia for another year.”

After the 2024-25 season, Bailey decided to close the door on volleyball. But one month ago, she changed her mind.

“I said to myself, you literally have nothing better to do with your life currently, so let’s give volleyball another shot. If it works out, great. If not, then welp,” she said. “Although it was super late and most rosters were complete, by the grace of God a team needed a middle, so I took the leap.”

When the contract was finalized, Bailey admitted to mixed emotions.

“I was shocked, happy and worried about leaving Canada. I’m still very shocked, like extremely shocked,” she said. “As I started doing research a month ago, I realized going pro is actually hard. So the fact that I got an opportunity is humbling, and I feel so much gratitude.”

Looking ahead

Bailey enters her first professional season with a simple goal.

“Honestly, I just want to have fun,” she said. “When I closed the door on volleyball I was sad because where else will I go where I can absolutely act a fool screaming and running around. So my goal is definitely to get back to that side of me. Hopefully in the process my team can medal in the Slovenia Premier League. Last season they fell short with fourth.”

She is also eager to experience volleyball outside North America.

“Volleyball overseas is a different game. I’m so excited that I get to be a part of it instead of watching it online,” Bailey said. “The last time I left North America I was 12, so I’m excited to hit Europe for the first time.”

Roots at Acadia

Bailey leaves Acadia with a decorated career. She was part of the Axewomen’s first AUS women’s volleyball championship in 2024, a milestone in program history. Over her four seasons, she appeared in more than 70 conference matches, averaging 1.55 kills per set, 0.80 blocks per set and 2.3 points per set. She also recorded 103 solo blocks and 114 block assists.

“Volleyball wise, I think Michelle and the coaching staff exposed me to fast volleyball within our gym, so I think I’m better prepared to see fast volleyball and not be overwhelmed by it,” she said. “But off the court, my time at Acadia has made this next step harder — how do I find happiness in a place after you’ve experienced the love, soul and people of Acadia?”

Bailey said she carries pieces of everyone she met in Wolfville with her.

“I am just a mosaic of every person that has touched my life at Acadia,” she said. “Thank you for teaching me it’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to be soft, it’s okay to be authentically myself, and occasionally it’s okay to double down. Thank you for loving me as I am. And as always, Acadia on top.”

From the coach’s perspective

Head coach Michelle Wood praised Bailey for her perseverance and the opportunity she has earned.

“We are thrilled that Wesley-Ann will get to experience international volleyball and further her development, life experience and career,” Wood said. “Our program takes pride in exposing athletes to high-level opportunities and preparing those who aspire to pursue professional volleyball. Wesley-Ann’s journey is a testament to the hard work, resilience and commitment that define our athletes, and we are excited to see an alum represent our program overseas.”