‘It means a lot to represent the town and the community,’ says Spencer Shropshire who was recognized at a ceremony Wednesday night
A steady stream of handshakes and loud applause filled the Orillia Waterfront Centre Wednesday night as Spencer Shropshire stepped forward to accept a recognition that reflects years spent on fairways and practice greens across the province and beyond.
The 17-year-old Orillia golfer has been named the city’s Athlete of the Year after another standout season, one that further cemented his place among Canada’s top junior players. Shropshire was also a finalist for the award last year.
Mayor Don McIsaac praised both his results and his potential.
“For someone as young as you, the achievements you’ve accomplished are incredible,” McIsaac said to Shropshire. “It’s a privilege to congratulate you on this honour. Congratulations, and we look forward to what’s next in your career, especially with the scholarship to Michigan, a top school in the United States.”
Shropshire thanked the community and those who have supported his development throughout his speech, including Jason Pritchard who nominated him for the award, the City of Orillia, and the Orillia Sports Council for the consideration.
“It means a lot to represent the town and the community,” he said. “I love this community very much.”
He also credited his coaches for helping him reach the top on the provincial golf landscape and his Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School teachers for helping him balance academics with a demanding competition schedule.
During the 2025 season, Shropshire finished second at the Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic and placed 14th at the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship while competing against golfers as old as 55.
He also finished second at the AJGA Coca Cola Junior Championship in Michigan, won the Ontario Junior Boys Championship, captured first place representing Team Ontario at the Williamson Cup and tied for 11th at the Canadian Junior Championship in New Brunswick.
He added a first-place finish at Ontario Super Camp and was runner-up at the OFSAA high school championship tournament. Competing against the province’s top adult golfers, he ranked 14th in Ontario and 30th nationally.
Shropshire has also been selected as one of only 10 athletes to represent NextGen Team Canada in international competition during the 2026 season and has been named co-captain. He recently committed to a four year scholarship at the University of Michigan, one of the NCAA’s premier Division I golf programs.
Despite the accolades, he said the simple joy of the sport still motivates him most.
“Playing all summer is honestly one of the most fun things in my life,” he said. “The love of the game is huge and I get to play with people who really just love golf.”