Leadership in Lethbridge

Leadership doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes, it looks like showing up early, checking in when things feel heavy, and quietly doing the work that keeps a team moving forward. For the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, Cadence Penner embodies that kind of leadership every single day.

Within the Pronghorns program, Cadence has become a steady and trusted presence both on and off the field. She consistently leads by example through her commitment to organizing team events, coordinating fundraising initiatives, and helping run youth camps within the community. According to the coaching staff, her willingness to step up in these spaces along with her genuine care for her teammates has played a significant role in shaping the culture of the program.

Heading into her fourth year with the Pronghorns, Cadence continues to bring grit, determination, and a competitive mindset that raises the standard for those around her. Coaches note that each season she shows up ready to work, pushing herself and her teammates with a drive that reflects both her passion for the sport and her commitment to the team’s success. Just as importantly, she leads with compassion which is something that does not go unnoticed within the program.

“To me, leadership means being a role-model and someone to look up to but also someone that others are proud to call a teammate and friend,” Cadence says. On a day-to-day basis, that means checking in when softball, school, work, or life feels overwhelming, and making sure her teammates know they are supported. Mental health is something she takes seriously, and she works intentionally to create space for honest conversations, especially for athletes navigating school and sport in a new city or province.

That same mindset carries into the off-season. While competition pauses, Cadence’s investment in the team does not. Coaches point to her ability to bring forward new ideas and plans during the off-season, helping ensure the Pronghorns are prepared for what’s ahead. From helping organize and lead team workouts to supporting clinics, fundraising, and volunteering initiatives, she remains fully engaged in the long-term success of the program.

Her leadership has evolved over time. As a rookie, Cadence focused on finding her footing and rebuilding confidence after time away from the sport. As her connections with teammates deepened, she naturally stepped into a more prominent leadership role, beginning with initiatives like organizing the team’s first bottle drive—an effort that has since become a recurring fundraiser. Experiences supporting teammates through challenges, particularly around mental health, further shaped her approach. Today, her leadership extends well beyond the field, centering on both performance and people.

Despite her competitive edge, Cadence believes pushing for excellence and supporting others go hand in hand. She encourages teammates to give their full effort while fostering an environment where mistakes are viewed as part of growth, not something to fear. That balance has helped create a positive, judgment-free culture where athletes feel confident pushing themselves and each other.

Team culture matters deeply to her. As one of the oldest players on the roster, Cadence takes pride in welcoming rookies and helping them feel at home within the program. The Pronghorns strive for an environment that is open, supportive, and family-oriented where hard work, accountability, and fun coexist.

When reflecting on her time with the Pronghorns, what stands out most for Cadence is not just the seasons played, but the relationships built along the way. “This team, the coaches, and the organization have been my home for years,” she says. “I am so proud to see everyone grow with each other over the past few years.”

As she looks ahead, her hope is to leave behind a program filled with athletes who continue to support one another, push each other to improve, and carry forward the values that define the Pronghorns. Her commitment, passion, and leadership have already left a lasting mark and the program is stronger because of it.