WOLFVILLE. N.S. - Over the early summer months, Allie Berry patiently waited to hear about extending her basketball career after her graduation from Acadia this past spring.
From Yarmouth, N.S., Berry was an AUS All-Star and named to the AUS Championship Tournament All-Star team this past season. She had reached the end of her playing career as most university women’s basketball players settle for, but she didn’t settle on just university basketball. The opportunity for women to continue to play basketball in the professional ranks has grown immensely.
With the help of former Axewomen powerhouse Abbey Duinker, Berry was able to find somewhere to extend her playing career.
“Abbey helped me find some contacts overseas. She had been playing over there for a few years. She was a great help. Coach Harvey helped me put together a video, which was sent to my agent. He also helped me with what questions I should ask about how it all worked. After everything was sent it became a waiting game to see if I would get a contract,” noted Berry.
By June, Berry was offered a contract, but her agent suggested she wait for a better offer. For ten days in August, Berry played in a tournament in Italy and then head to Germany for an opportunity to play.
“Two days before I left for Italy my agent called with a contract to play in Germany and if I accepted then I would fly from Italy after the tournament to Germany. I accepted the contract and have been in Germany since August 20th,” said Berry.
“Allie is a testament to putting in hard work on and off the court. She developed so much as a student, an athlete, and a community leader during her time here at Acadia, but it all stemmed from her work ethic and positive attitude. We are over the moon for her and the opportunities she earned overseas,” said Axewomen head coach Len Harvey on Berry’s opportunity in Germany.
“I think Allie is a fine example to the current players here in Wolfville, but also at other schools, that with hard work and dedication you can continue to play basketball after your university eligibility is done. I look forward to her text messages every day about something new she learned, saw, or experienced. I know she has plenty of fans cheering her on here at home, we’re all incredibly proud of her,” added Harvey.
Playing in Division Two of the BBL, Berry has had a great experience so far and noted the competition is outstanding.
“I play in Division 2 and the play at this level is strong. It is important to stay fit and healthy in order to be competitive. It has been a great experience so far,” said Berry in an e-mail.
“My teammates and coaching staff are amazing and have really made me feel at home here. I am really looking forward to playing this season with them.”
