Zach Penner's parents, Susan and Charlie, played badminton and water polo, respectively, during their formative years. So it was only natural they let their son try a variety of sports before he settled on soccer.

It turned out to be a good decision as Penner led Half Moon Bay to a Central Coast Section soccer title this season. For his efforts, Penner is the Prep2Prep Central Coast Section Junior of the Year.

The 11th-grader has been a standout since he was 5 years old, playing for the AYSO Green Dragons. Soon he was competing for the regional Olympic Development Team and he's been on an upward spiral ever since.

"I just love to get out there and run around and play with my friends," Penner said. "The best feeling is scoring a goal. It makes me feel really good - really happy."

Penner had that feeling four times in a section semifinal victory against Aptos, leading the Cougars to an important victory.

"That was crazy," Penner said. "I was thrilled."

So, no doubt, were Penner's parents and grandparents, Art and Claudette Penner of Sunnyvale, who attend every game.

"I love having my grandparents there," the Cougar star said. "I feel like if they don't show up, I don't play as well. They're good luck."

Club ball is a big thing for Penner and he competes for Juventus CRS Elite. The team is currently ranked seventh nationally and the HMB star is hoping they can claw their way to among the top three teams in the nation.

Penner is doing well in school - about a B average - and on the field excels most when the ball is in the air. He uses his 5-foot-11 frame to head the ball and said most of his goals come off his noggin.

Of course, living on the coastline, the ocean does have a pull, but surfing never agreed with Penner the way the Beautiful Game does.

"I've tried it, but failed," Penner said with a laugh. "I couldn't get up on the board."

Also considered: Andres Jimenez, MF, Gilroy; Albert Munante, F, Mt Pleasant; Bardia Ohadi, F, Monta Vista; Stefan Skoff, GK, Westmont.

NOTE: We would like to thank our readers for all of the nominations you sent in for the season-ending CCS soccer awards. It is a daunting task to narrow down our selections to just the top few as we recognize there are lots of great players who make contributions on the court that are not necessarily well-documented but mean a great deal to the success of their teams. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS soccer.