Embracing the role of libero since her U16 season with the Northern Chill Volleyball Club, roughly midway through her time with the Confederation Chargers high-school program, Mara Kahl knew the spotlight would not always shine her way.

Focused largely on her task as a defensive specialist, the now first year libero at Cambrian College would forego the adrenaline rush that comes courtesy of a thundering smash or a dominant block at the net, more than willing to take a great deal of pride on other aspects of her sport that might fly a little under the radar for the more casual fan.

“When I first started playing, serve receive and defense were two things that I really loved,” said Kahl, who began as a left side attacker in her youth before accepting the realities that come with a current height of 5’3” in a sport where teammates and opponents alike often tower above her.

“I knew that being smaller, I wasn’t going to have a lot of options,” Kahl added. “But when I watched a college or university game, the libero spot looked like such a cool position.”

Whether in sport or in pretty much every other aspect of her life, Mara Kahl knew that she had so much to offer. Beyond her importance to the city championship Confederation senior girls volleyball team and an MVP season with Chargers flag football, Kahl interspersed another five to six sports.

And there is more. Much, much more.

“I have volunteered all my life,” said Kahl, as we begin to unravel the many layers that only add to her story. “I just think that volunteering in the community is a really important thing.” As is the ability to pen an enlightened essay regarding the importance of inclusivity in sport.

In the end, all of the above made for a very strong case a few months back when Mara Kahl was informed that she would join three other distinguished high-school athletes from 2025-2026, the quartet named as the recipients of the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship - 2026.

As such, the local student-athlete will take a day or two away from her commitment to the Cambrian Shield women’s volleyball team, attending the 2026 Induction Ceremony & Community Celebration being hosted this Thursday evening at the Granite Club in Toronto.

“I am excited to go and see who is going to be there - and excited to meet the other award recipients,” said Kahl. The Class of 2026 will see the likes of Jennifer Botterill, Mike Keenan, Ron Francis and Patrick Chan all inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, with a handful of other Special Awards also being doled out throughout the evening.

It’s been quite the ride the past few years for Kahl, who acknowledged to first giving serious thought to the possibilities of post-secondary volleyball only as she started at Confed - and largely thanks to the urging and support of Chargers’ volleyball coach Craig Thomson.

“I love volleyball and knew that I wanted to do it - but when I first started, I was left-side - and obviously that was a little difficult as I am not the tallest person on the team,” she said with a smile.

Just a few years later, Kahl is settling in nicely with head coach Dale Beausoleil and the Cambrian Shield. “I went in knowing that rookies go in and don’t necessarily get a lot of playing time,” she said. “I am just excited to be part of the team - and very excited to play for Dale.”

“I definitely have to work on my reflexes a little more,” Kahl continued. “For high-school, it was easier to tell if they (opponents) are going to hit or tip. In college, you have to be on your toes, ready for anything. In high-school, it was a lot easier to read the ball and know where it was going.”

Make no mistake - Mara Kahl will adjust.

Regardless of the hours of training required, she will put in the work. With much of her free time the past few years committed to a sport that she loves, Kahl knew that researching and applying for various bursaries and scholarships would likely prove helpful. “This (Ontario Hall of Fame Scholarship) seemed like a perfect one to apply for, just because of all of the sports that I played and everything.”

Also a recipient of the prestigious Colin Hood OFSAA Award at Confederation Secondary, Mara Kahl will attend the festivities this week, knowing the spotlight will certainly be shining her way - and most deservedly so.