It could have been a baseball team that Whitehall High School assembled when announcing the future plans of their student athletes during the National Letter of Intent ceremony held February 6.

Those nine seniors represented the latest class to sign on the dotted line, fulfilling dreams and stoking expectations as they prepare for the next phase of their lives.

That group included Kayla Cunningham, Aaron Genevese, Brooke Gilson, Kara Parvel, Cassie Schmidt, Nick Shafnisky, Nick Sommer, James Wah and Jake Wygant.

Kayla Cunningham's journey takes her to Bloomington, Indiana where she'll play field hockey for the Hoosiers. As a member of Indiana University, Cunningham will compete in the storied Big 10 where she'll join a team that was 10-9 last season.

Cunningham brings with her an impressive résume that includes three Lehigh Valley Conference AAA Most Valuable Player awards, along with several scoring titles during that span. She was also a key cog in their 2011 run into the PIAA playoffs, and has been a three-time all-state selection in field hockey.

In addition, Cunningham also left he mark on the pitch, earning multiple honors in soccer as well, including three leagued MVPs, and a legacy as the area's leader in goals scored during her high school career.

Cunningham's decision to don the cream and crimson was its campus life as well as its sports tradition.

"I chose Indiana University because of the college atmosphere," said Cunningham.

She also found a good fit on the field as well.

"I got along with the coaches and the team," she said.

Cunningham said it was always her desire to play in the Big 10 where the competition is fierce and the opportunities abound.

While she'll begin her academic life as "undeclared," the senior is leading toward a career in the medical field, perhaps a sonographer.

She also has set a goal, indicating she wants to play varsity her freshman year as well as keep up with her studies.

Cunningham also said that what that day possible was the support of her family who have been behind her every step of the way. She also cites the input of all her coaches as well as the contributions of her teammates for their role in helping her achieve her dream.

Aaron Genevese will be packing his bags and heading west to Shippensburg University where he'll play for head coach Mark Maciejewsk. Genevese, a tackle, earned all-league honors this season and was the bedrock of an offensive line that helped pave the way for eye-popping total yards the last two seasons, setting a school record in the process.

As a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, Shippensburg went 11-2 last season and earned a trip to the Division II playoffs.

He said a number of factors went into his decision, most notably Shippensburg's strong commitment to academics. He also felt at ease among the coaching staff during the recruitment process and that helped sway him as well.

"They treated me the best," said Genevese. "They were honest and straight forward with me."

Genevese will also enter his freshman year undecided, but is considering his options in the medical field, citing either personal training or sports medicine as possible avenues.

As for football, he plans to compete for a starting job on the offensive line, and contribute to the team in whatever way he can. However, his first priority is to get a degree and graduate, as well as make his mark on the gridiron.

Genevese said that signing day evoked memories as he sat among his peers in the front of the room.

"I reflected on all the hard work to participate in a day like that," said Genevese. "It was very exciting."

Brooke Gilson will be attending Bloomsburg University in the fall. The senior swimmer will be under the guidance of head coach Stu Marvin. The Huskies recently finished sixth at the PSAC Championships.

Gilson, who competes in a number of events, notably freestyle, holds numerous school records and is a PIAA Championships qualifier.

Kara Parvel's destination is West Chester University where she'll be playing soccer. Parvel will be heading south to play for head coach Betty Ann Kempf Townsley as a member of Rams. Parvel will be joining a team that was 15-4-1 last season, and captured the Atlantic Region title of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Tournament.

Parvel, who was an all-LVIAC selection for the Zephyrs, said her choice to attend West Chester hinged on its compatibility.

"I chose it because it was an excellent fit for me academically as well as athletically," said Parvel. "I also fell in love with the campus because it's beautiful and also the coach and the team are very welcoming. They seem like a great program to be part of."

Cassie Schmidt will be headed to Kutztown University next fall as a member of the Golden Bears soccer team. The Bears finished with a regular season mark of 11-6-2.

Schmidt was a four-year starter at Whitehall for head coach George Romano. The senior halfback was an outstanding defender, controlling the back end for the Zephyrs.

The lure of attending Kutztown was aided by its ambiance, said Schmidt.

"I absolutely fell in love with the campus," said Schmidt. "I was always told that picking a campus would be hard, but when you come to the right one, you'll just know."

Schmidt, who will pursue a career in communications, said that successful soccer program was another deciding factor in her decision. She also feels that getting a degree from Kutztown will be invaluable as in the electronic media field.

Additionally, putting her name to that paper was a culmination of a lot of hard work. She said it was thrilling to have the opportunity to go to a place she loves.

"That day was something I will never forget," said Schmidt. "Kayla Cunningham and I grew up together and talked about one day playing college sports.

"Although we won't be together, to be part of National Signing Day and signing together was so special. It was overall so exciting and something I'll always remember."

Nicholas Shafnisky is headed to Lehigh University in the fall where he'll be suiting up for the Mountain Hawks under the leadership of head coach Andy Coen. Lehigh was 10-1 last season and boasted a national ranking of 14 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision coaches poll.

Shafnisky led the Zephyrs to a share of the Lehigh Valley Conference Football Championship this year, earning league MVP honors along the way, a distinction he shared with Central Catholic's Colin McDermott. He also guided the team to playoff berths the last two seasons, and was a 1,000 yard passer and rusher this past season, a feat that helped earn him numerous accolades among his football brethren.

Additionally, Shafnisky is part of a class of recruits who are notable as the first merit-based aid, or scholarship, recipients in Lehigh football history.

Another Zephyr headed to Kutztown University is Nick Sommer. The standout wideout emerged as one of the top receivers in the league this year. Sommer set a single season receiving yards record with 910 yards in 2012.

The senior will be playing for head coach Drew Folmar. Last season the Bears were 7-4 and Sommer will look to compete for playing time at the tradition-rich PSAC school.

James Wah will also be traveling along Route 222 as a student at Kutztown University. Wah, a three-sport athlete at Whitehall, will become a member of the football team. A versatile player, Wah can do a host of things on the gridiron, either in the backfield, as a receiver, or on special teams.

Wah also felt a connection to the school because of its easy accessibility as well as its excellent academic and athletic programs.

"I chose K.U. mainly because the education is good, and the location is convenient for me," said Wah. "I loved the campus and the coaching staff is amazing.

"I also wanted to play alongside Jake Wygant and Nick Sommer again,"

Wah plans to study business, and will also strive hard to make his presence felt on the field as soon as he dons the uniform.

"My goals are to get on the field as a freshman," said Wah. "I want to impact the team in a positive way."

Finally, Jake Wygant is on his way to Kutztown as well. The heralded lineman was a major force for the Zephs from the start of his career. His talent and dedication were underscored by the list of his achievements. Wygant was a four-time All-LVIAC player, and also earned first team honors on both sides of the ball for two consecutive years.

The road to Kutztown took Wygant many places, but he felt a kinship with the Golden Bears that influenced his decision.

"I visited many PSAC schools, and K.U. just made me feel at home," said Wygant. "The atmosphere felt right when talking to the coaches players and touring the campus."

Wygant will enroll in the business department and looks forward to attaining a degree, while still leaving the door open for a career in criminal justice."

The lineman will also look to make his mark on the gridiron as soon as possible.

"I also want to be successful on the field, and hopefully work to get playing time or a starting position early," Wygant said. "And then hopefully win a PSAC championship and a national championship."

He's also excited about continuing his football career with Wah, Sommer and Zach Delp.