When it comes to sports, 21-year-old Nick Penner of New Hamburg understands the importance of community on a team. Being a good teammate is not unlike being a good neighbour.

“I try to keep everyone positive and having fun, I think that’s really important when being a good teammate,” said Penner. “And it’s easy to be a good teammate when you’ve been playing with the same crew for so many years.

“It’s a community within itself, and growing up with all of them together, it means a lot more when you see success with them.”

Penner saw plenty of success in his 2017 softball season, which also earned him Wilmot Citizen of the Year honours in September, in the athletics category.

Winning a second provincial and International Softball Congress (ISC) world championship in a row with the New Hamburg Junior Mustangs, Penner was also one of several local players selected to represent Ontario at the Canada Games in Manitoba. Starting at shortstop, Penner helped Ontario bring home the gold.

“That was definitely a highlight for me, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Penner said. “It’s such a huge honour to play and succeed on that stage, and again, doing it with guys I’ve grown up made it so much cooler.”

One of those players, Tyler Randerson, has played with Penner for over a decade now, and has seen first-hand what type of teammate he is.

“A leader,” said Randerson. “Whatever team we’ve been on he always leads by example with his consistent play on the field and ability to light a spark under the guys.”

This lead-by-example style has helped Penner and his teammates off the diamond as well, not only within the community of their own team, but in the community of New Hamburg as well.

“We always try to do things for the town together, whether helping refugees move in or coaching and umpiring younger levels,” said Penner.

Looking forward, Penner will remain part of the local softball scene as shortstop for the New Hamburg Nith River Monsters men’s team.