The Lemay-Evans siblings (Alexia and Mia) have already proven they can make a difference with the women's volleyball program of the Acadia University Axewomen in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

It remains to be seen just how far the now more experienced editions of the Azilda-based duo can help lead the team that captured its first ever AUS (Atlantic University Sport) conference title in 2024.

Turning 21 in September, Alexia is entering her fourth year at the school and coming off a season in which she was named to the AUS First All-Star team (again). To boot, this summer, she joined an array of university sport stars in representing Canada at the Shanghai Future Stars event in China.

Just 18 years old and fresh off an outstanding first year that saw her recognized as the Axewomen Rookie of the Year and cracking the conference All-Rookie squad, Mia (who also celebrates her birthday in September) is very much poised to take that next step forward.

Joined by a deeper than usual incoming freshman class that features fellow Northern Chill Volleyball Club alumnus Olivia Nicholls, the northern Ontario duo are understandably stoked about what the upcoming season holds in store.

"I'm just excited to start playing again, looking forward to that home opener (October 24th vs the St Mary's Huskies)," said Mia, a graduate of Collège Notre-Dame who started in Kinesiology but is switching over to a Nursing major this year.

Though there is much that is similar with the talented sisters, beginning with a striking physical resemblance between the two middle blockers, the three year age gap definitely gives way to a slightly different prespective.

For her part, Mia is looking to leverage the success of year one into an even more impactful role with the team in 2025-2026. "I think my two strongest assets were my serving and my blocking - and that's where I fit in the best," she said.

"It was still an adjustment blocking against the girls I was blocking against, but I do think I fit in very well."

For as much sisterly advice that Alexia may have offered to Mia prior to stepping on the floor of The War Memorial Stadium - Stu Aberdeen Court, athletes need to learn, on their own, in order to truly absorb the lessons.

"In club, I didn't really have to think much," said Mia with a laugh. "I could just go out and hit it and it worked. In university, I can't just swing at the ball knowing I am going to score. That is not going to work."

Hence the twice-weekly sessions, this summer, with Chill Technical Director Sheldon Root, mastering her craft just a little bit more with every passing day. "Going into my second year, it's still stressful, but it's nice to have learned so much," she said.

"My blocking can always get better, so blocking and transitioning is a focus. I often get caught not transitioning straight back or not transitioning so that I am an option - and that's obviously not ideal."

Now on the back-nine of her university career, Alexia offers more of a big picture analysis, either when discussing her own journey or the outlook for her team. "We learned a lot from last year," said the young woman who was also selected as a first team all-star in 2023-2024.

"I think it made us stronger and should make us more adept at handling obstacles."

The elder of the Lemay-Evans girls will also draw upon the adventure that was a tournament halfway across the world, facing teams from the Netherlands, France, Vietnam, Brazil, China and Slovenia.

"I got some experience playing against teams that run a lot of combination plays - or at least not so traditional combination plays," stated Alexia. "Vietnam, for instance, would run very complex plays off a serve receive."

"As a player, it was interesting having to be better, to watch your attacker and figure out what they are doing."

While there are certainly very good odds that Alexia returns for a fifth year to join her sister for one final push in 2026-2027, the fact is that she will be graduating next June and often tries to remind herself not to take anything for granted.

"As much as I have gained volleyball-wise from attending Acadia, it's the connections that you build on a university team - especially so far from home - that are unmatched," she said. "It's something I am extra grateful for."

And there is the scenic vista that is the town of some 5000 residents that sits along Minas Basin, a body of water that flows directly into the Bay of Fundy.

"I just love how pretty it is out there," said Mia. "Just being able to escape when I am studying, going for a walk along the ocean is special."

"Having her (Mia) there to experience Acadia with me makes it ten times better - and I already loved it," Alexia chimed in. "Acadia is such a special place to me. Sharing it with Mia just makes all of the good moments that much better."

Special moments that Alexia and Mia Lemay-Evans would dearly love to add to their diaries by the time their university careers conclude.