Title

Kovac, Sara

Type

Athlete

Sport

English Volleyball

Inducted

2025

Era

2011 – 2021

Description

Sara Kovac has been a stand out athlete from a young age, excelling in volleyball and track and field. A top Ontario competitor, she won OFSAA with her Eden High School volleyball team, placed third in the provincial club championship, and eamed two OFSAA medals in triple jump, setting regional and Southern Ontario records while continually surpassing her personal bests.
Kovac earned a full Division I scholarship to Loyola Marymount University in California, where she achieved national success, helping her indoor volleyball team reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and winning a West Coast Championship in beach volleyball. After graduation, she competed professionally in Europe, playing in Slovenia and Germany's Bundesliga, and represented Canada at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
Her journey has also been defined by remarkable resilience. In April 2022, at the height of her career, Kovac suffered a severe brain injury caused by a cavernous malformation. After weeks in the ICU with a tracheotomy and feeding tube, she faced an intense rehabilitation at Hotel Dieu Shaver, relearning to walk and regaining her independence through determination and grit.
Kovac went on to channel her passion and experience into coaching with the Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club, mentoring young athletes to reach their goals. Her story is one of excellence, courage, and perseverance, a powerful example of overcoming adversity and inspiring others to approach sport and life with the same strength and heart that define her remarkable journey.

This image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture

Subject

Awards

Sports - Volleyball

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

Portraits - Biographical