Cambrian College athlete earns provincial scholarship – September 29

SUDBURY, ON – A rookie with the Cambrian Shield women’s volleyball team has been served a provincial scholarship.

Mara Kahl is one of this year’s recipients of a 2026 Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Student-Athlete Scholarship.

The $2,500 scholarship program recognizes Ontario high school student-athletes who demonstrate athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

Kahl is a first-year student in Cambrian’s Practical Nursing program who graduated this year from Confederation Secondary School in Greater Sudbury, where she built an impressive record as a multi-sport athlete.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me, especially because it recognizes more than just what happens on the court,” says Kahl. “Volleyball has taught me about hard work, leadership and being part of a team, and those are things I want to carry with me into my studies and my future career. I’m really excited to be at Cambrian, to be part of the Shield and to see what we can accomplish this season.”

As captain of Confederation’s volleyball team, Kahl helped lead the team to two city championships, two Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics (NOSSA) titles, and an appearance at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championship.

Her individual accomplishments include multiple Most Valuable Player awards, two gold medals in beach volleyball and the Colin Hood OFSAA Award, which recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate commitment to their team, school and community.

Mara has also been active in student council and community initiatives, volunteering with the Greater Sudbury Police Service for the Special Olympics Torch Run, Polar Plunge, and other local programs.

Kahl plays libero on the Cambrian Shield volleyball team. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatric nurse.

“Mara is exactly the type of student-athlete we are proud to welcome to the Shield,” says Tim Yu, Manager of Athletics at Cambrian College. “She has already demonstrated an ability to succeed at a high level in competition while also making academics, leadership and community involvement priorities. We’re excited to see what she will accomplish as a student and as a member of our volleyball program.”

The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame launched its Student-Athlete Scholarship Program in 2024 to support young athletes as they pursue post-secondary education and continue their athletic careers.

Kahl and the other 2026 scholarship recipients have also been invited to attend the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Community Celebration on October 15 at the Granite Club in Toronto.