It's easy to run out of superlatives when describing Kayla Cunningham's season, let alone career, as a student athlete at Whitehall High School.

During her senior season, Cunningham was named the Lehigh Valley Conference's Most Valuable Player in field hockey and girls soccer, both of which were played in the fall this year for the first time, forcing the senior to divide her time between the two sports.

Pretty amazing.

She also set the District 11 goal-scoring record, eclipsing Catasauqua High School's Amanda Gerhard who tallied 151. Cunningham finished this season with 51 goals, ending her career with 166.

Absolutely incredible.

A forward in soccer, she was named first-team all-state by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association and received the same honor in field hockey by its coaching association.

Very Impressive.

Her legacy is remarkable, one that may never be duplicated. Cunningham earned six LVC Most Valuable Player awards during her career.

Astounding.

She also played basketball this year, contributing off the bench, and ran the 800 meters as a member of the track and field team.

With such a stellar body of work, Cunningham was chosen as Female Athlete of the Year by the Whitehall-Coplay Press.

While her individual accomplishments are eye-popping, Cunningham relishes her role as a team player, noting that when everyone pulls together it creates a winning atmosphere.

"You can't achieve anything without teamwork," said Cunningham, who was captain of her soccer and field hockey teams.

She said that without teamwork, the opposition will find holes and exploit them, turning little mistakes into big opportunities.

She was also a valuable leader. It was a role she earned through her dedication and commitment.

"You want to make sure everyone's ready mentally to play," said Cunningham. "It also means always wanting to practice and get better. It's about bringing an energy to practice to show the team it's really important."

She forged a number of friendships through her association with soccer, playing with some teammates since their Tri-Boro Soccer Club days under the guidance of coach Kevin Kreeger. She said his influence was one of the reasons she was so successful.

"He taught us everything," she said.

She also played a lot of club soccer, traveling to play for the Lower Merion Soccer Club where she was among some of the best players in the state. It was there that she experienced what it took to compete on an elite level, often coming home exhausted after one of coach Regan LaBlanc's workouts.

"I could wring out my shirt from the sweat," said Cunningham.

At Whitehall, she blossomed under coach George Romano. Beyond her athletic talent, Romano said that Cunningham's personality is really the key to her success.

"Her heart is as big as anyone's I've ever known," said Romano.

He said that it was always about the team for Cunningham. Her ability to thrive was centered on her understanding of playing within the team concept.

Romano said that Cunningham's heart was matched by her fellow teammates who also brought that same drive and intensity.

"They all complimented one another real well," he said.

With all the talented soccer players he's coached, Romano said that Cunningham stands as one of the best.

"In my opinion, she compares to none other," said Romano. "She has a real passion for the game and she can accomplish what she wants."

She will continue her athletic career at Indiana University.

She earned a scholarship to play field hockey and looks forward to the challenge it presents playing in the Big Ten.

She admits that it may be difficult cracking the Hoosier starting line-up since they only graduated one starter, but she's determined to give it her best by staying in shape and mentally focused.

Cunningham looks forward to this next chapter, playing against some of the country's best field hockey players, as well as soaking in the whole college atmosphere.

Cunningham's family was the foundation upon which all her accomplishments were built.

"If it wasn't for my family, I wouldn't be going to Indiana University," said Cunningham.

Her grandparents made sure she would get where she needed to go, with her "Pop" driving to her to club practices and games.

"They were always supportive," Cunningham said.

Her parents were always at her games, and her father made sure she had the tools to succeed

"My dad always pushed me to the best of my abilities," said Cunningham.

As she looks back on a great career, the one moment that still stands out is the PIAA Championship game in her junior year.

"That was the biggest highlight for me," said Cunningham.