High Honours for Faith Kailer After Breakout Performance Hints at What’s Still to Come

St. Clair Saints middle Faith Kailer capped off the first semester with a true breakout performance, earning both OCAA and CCAA Athlete of the Week honours after a dominant road swing against Sheridan and Humber — a surge that may signal the next stage of her development.

Source: Bill Smith

Kailer, who has already played more sets this season than in her first two years combined, has nearly doubled her offensive output from last year and is clearly trending upward.

Averaging 1.64 kills per set, the third-year middle delivered well above her season pace to help the Saints secure two key road victories.

Source: Bill Smith

Against Sheridan, she posted seven kills, a stuff block and a service ace, hitting a sharp .455. She followed that with eight kills, an ace and three blocks in a statement win over three-time defending OCAA champion Humber, showcasing the kind of production that earned her national and provincial recognition.

Kailer told Powerplay Sports the honours were both exciting and meaningful.

"I was very excited that I received the OCAA and CCAA athlete of the week. Playing Humber is a game we always look forward to, and having a win against them after so many years was one of the biggest highlights of our first-semester season."

She credited the Saints’ chemistry for her elevated comfort and performance.

"Our entire team played great together — everyone executed their role and had massive energy on and off the court. I felt the most comfortable, confident and fired up than I ever have, knowing my team was always there to back me up. It was a huge team effort by teammates and coaches. I’m excited to face them again in January, and to see where the rest of the season goes."

After dropping their season opener, the Saints surged to an 8–1 record, finishing the semester in a first-place tie atop the OCAA West with Humber. They return to action January 10, hosting the Hawks in a highly anticipated rematch — one that could further showcase Kailer’s rise.