Best way to describe athletics in activities

OK thanks this is helpful. And yes, I think it is more like he is a very “average” player but with a huge love of the camaraderie he found being part of the team. He is the kid who has shown up to every summer workout at 6:30 am, while many of the starters and captains slept through, eagerly participated in the 7x7 summer leagues even though his playing time has been very limited, etc., etc. He is trying to figure out a way to convey that I guess is the best way to describe it. He said to me “I don’t just want it to sounds like I am a rando on the team when I have committed so much to it”.