From serving a mission to serving on the court
Julia Finot, Staff Writer
For Kale Orr, leadership didn’t begin on the volleyball court, it started at home.
He grew up south of Calgary in Magrath, Alta., as the oldest of five children. Orr learned early what it meant to be responsible for others. With his four siblings close behind him, family was never just part of his life, it was the foundation of it. His family has proudly shaped the way Orr carries himself: hardworking, grounded and quietly confident, both on and off the court.
Orr is a family man, and he proudly refers to himself as a ‘mommy’s boy.’
When he’s not playing volleyball, Orr enjoys staying active in simple ways. His summers are filled with crossnet, frisbee golf and rollerblading. These hobbies fuel his competitive nature without the pressures of structured competition. No matter the activity, family remains at the centre of his life.
Growing up in a small town in Alberta, Orr’s parents emphasised values that went beyond sports. The Orr’s taught their children how to learn, treat others with respect and become good people.
“They put a big emphasis on teaching us how to learn and how to be better people,” says Orr. “It’s not necessarily giving you the right answer when you want them but teaching you to go and find the right answers.”
These lessons remain important to him, as do sports.
Sports have always been a big part of Orr’s life. Basketball was his first love; he started playing it back in elementary school. He also grew up playing baseball. Volleyball, basketball and baseball were the perfect rotation to keep him busy over the years.
Volleyball was ultimately the sport that stood out to Orr. What drew him in was the high level of competition and the team dynamics.
Volleyball requires trust, communication and shared responsibility, all things Orr is fond of. Watching university and Olympic-level volleyball growing up showed him what was possible if he fully committed to the sport. His skills developed through playing club ball in Lethbridge and on his high school team.
Orr was very successful on his high school team, and he won a provincial championship with Magrath High School.
Even with those accomplishments, Orr believes what truly makes a team special has little to do with trophies.
“It’s not about big wins or championships that make a team special, but just the bonds that you have with the guys around you,” says Orr.
Just as his volleyball career was gaining momentum, Orr made a decision that would test his patience and faith.
Back in Magrath, he attended church every weekend with his family, and he developed a strong spiritual foundation from a young age. As he grew older, that connection deepened, and he began to feel called to serve a mission.
Deciding to serve a mission was not easy. Orr was worried that once he was called, he would have to give up volleyball.
Ultimately, his purpose outweighed his fear, and he was called by the Church of Jesus Christ to serve a mission. Orr spent two years in Australia, focusing on helping people grow closer to God. While he didn’t play competitive volleyball during that time, the experience challenged him in new ways. It was his first time living away from home, thousands of kilometres away from his family.
He was nervous but excited. Weekly calls home helped ease the transitions, and the relationships he formed overseas have had a lasting impact.
“Prayer and talking to God is something I’ve always turned to and something I’ll continue to rely upon for the rest of my life,” says Orr.
When he returned home, volleyball was waiting, and so was a new opportunity.
Orr committed to Mount Royal before he was called on his mission. He was at a tournament held at the University of Calgary when he was approached by fellow Cougars commit Marek Janutka.
Janukta asked Orr if he ever considered coming to MRU.
That year, three fellow 17U Alberta teammates committed to the Cougars—Ryan John, Cody Hudson and Grant Hill. Having so many familiar faces committed to the team and being close to home sealed the deal for Orr.
Joining the Cougars hasn’t been something Orr has taken lightly. He spent the two years of his mission imagining what it would be like to wear the white and navy. When the moment finally came, it carried weight.
To Orr, wearing the Cougars uniform represents far more than just volleyball. It represents himself, Mount Royal University, and the Cougars volleyball program.
“Its a huge honour to wear the uniform and represent Mount Royal,” says Orr.
On the court, the transition to U SPORTS volleyball has been smoother than expected, though stepping back into competition after time away required adjustment. Orr has seen a noticeable improvement in his blocking, and he credits the team environment for helping him grow quickly.
Off the court, life as a student-athlete in Calgary has brought some new challenges.
It is a new fast-paced environment which entails balancing academics, training, and personal responsibilities. Orr admits it’s difficult to relax from everything, but he is learning how to manage his time and balance everything.
Gratitude is his biggest motivator and helps him stay focused.
“Remembering is a key principle to staying strong,” said Orr.
His faith continues to guide him through the stress of student-athlete life. He was worried that people in volleyball wouldn’t be understanding of his faith but the Cougars have embraced Orr and his beliefs.
Many of his teammates share similar beliefs, and they openly discuss faith, which Orr says has been a blessing.
Looking ahead, Orr wants to take volleyball as far as he can. Representing Canada at the Olympics or competing professionally are aspirations he approaches with humility and determination. More than accolades, he hopes his time as a Cougar will reflect the values he was raised with: commitment, respect and service.
For Kale Orr, the journey has never been just about volleyball. It’s about becoming the best version of himself— for his family, his faith, and the jersey he now wears with pride.
