Polite is probably not the first word that comes to mind when describing an athlete, but politeness goes a long way when describing Kali Shumock, Bethlehem Press's Female Player of the Year from Liberty High School.

"Kali is the politest, most hard-working kid, who does what I ask of her, and who does things on her own," said Liberty field hockey coach, Mary Omdahl.

Shumock, who is entering her senior year, directs the Hurricanes' offense and defense as a center midfielder on the hockey field.

"Kali has a very even demeanor on the field. Even when things are not going well, she has great composure. The other kids look up to her to not get upset when things are not going her way. She does a tremendous job," Omdahl said.

If you ask Shumock, no player of the year does it alone.

"I have a lot of help. Taylor Kane ... I've been playing with her for years, and if anything gets out of hand, she directs me and calms me down," said Shumock.

As a leader on the field, Shumock leads by example.

"In field hockey, you need to be loose, and able to react, and share the ball with ten other people on the field. I love the intensity of it, the challenges of it. You need to be able to advance the ball and see where the defense is going. It's a lot to keep in mind," Shumock said.

By now, the three-sport athlete has become accustomed to a multitasking, not just on the hockey field, but on the basketball court.

Liberty girls basketball coach Amy Yencho said, "I look to Kali to make things happen. She was asked to do a lot this season, and she responded. She is the type of player who can change the dynamics of a game in a second."

Shumock is known for her defense, converting turnovers into points for the Hurricanes, and Yencho has no problem saying that Shumock is the best defender in the Lehigh Valley.

Shumock said, "To be a great defender, the most important thing is intensity. This summer, a lot of our games were close games. This year will be strong for us. To show other teams what we have is why we come out intense every game."

Yencho points out that Shumock plays hard every single minute, and that anyone would be hard-pressed to catch her resting.

"Kali usually plays the entire game against the opposing team's overall best player. She has instincts you really can't teach: speed, quickness, and her footwork is phenomenal," Yencho said.

Although Shumock works hard to better herself, she also strives to better her teammates.

"I feel like, as I build myself up, year by year, other players look up to that. I like to teach them that this is what your intensity should be," she said.

Shumock also competed in track and field this spring, racing in the 300 hurdles, 100 hurdles, 400 meter, and 4x4 relay.

"Wherever they need me," is how Shumock described her role on the team.

Shumock's best event is the 300 hurdles.

"It takes a lot of technique, so you need a lot of time and commitment and focus on what the coach tells you to do," she said.

As a multisport athlete, Shumock attributes her success to her club coaches, high school coaches, Full Circle Training, and various others who have been and continue to be a part of her life.

"There are a bunch of girls I've looked up to and aspired to be like, because it's so hard to put so much time into three sports," she said. "There's always going to be someone better than you, but I always aspire to be better tomorrow than today."