The word consummate is often linked to professional, or pro, but in the case of seniors Cara Bonshak and Kylee Cunningham, that word can also be associated with student-athlete.

Yes, Bonshak and Cunningham are the consummate student-athletes who give total effort both on and off the field. They’re the embodiment of that credo that hangs on their gymnasium wall, commonly known as the PRIDE banner: Prepared Respect Involved Dependable Empathetic. They’ve maintained those four principles throughout their athletic careers at Whitehall.

Bonshak and Cunningham’s lives have intersected through much of their four years together at Whitehall. They play both field hockey and soccer in the fall, and have helped place the Zephyrs among the best teams in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in those respective sports.

This year the two seniors were important cogs in the field hockey and soccer teams reaching the district semifinals last fall. Cunningham, a forward, tallied 16 goals this season, leading the team. Bonshak, a former forward who offered to switch positions to help the team, became a midfielder/defender. She finished with three goals and six assists this season.

They also received postseason honors, with Bonshak earning a first team all-star selection for soccer in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference as a defender, while also earning second team all-star honors in field hockey as a midfielder. Cunningham was elected as a second-team all-star in soccer as forward, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists.

Cunningham continued playing sports in the winter as a member of the basketball team, and then both players laced up their sneakers and spikes one final time as Bonshak took to the softball field as the right fielder, while Cunningham gravitated toward the track as a sprinter, jumper and middle distance runner.

Those pursuits by these two talented athletes helped the softball team reach both the league and district playoffs, while Cunningham motored her way to district gold in the 4x100 relay, earning a trip to the PIAA Championships in Shippensburg.

Both have played all four years in each of their respective sports at Whitehall, and each will continue playing field hockey in college at Division I schools in the midwest, Bonshak at Michigan State and Cunningham at Ball State.

Both Bonshak and Cunningham also share a strong family foundation that has helped them become successful on the field and in the classroom. They’ve also been shaped by their siblings who have been valuable role models.

Bonshak said that growing up in such an active family that played sports year round helped her gain a passion for a wide variety of athletics.

“All my siblings played multiple sports, so it was kind of a given,” said Bonshak.

Her sister and brothers carved out their own indelible marks at Whitehall as Erinn, Matthew, Ryan and Ryuta Amaike have all been extremely influential in her success.

“I really looked up to them so I knew I had to fill some big shoes,” said Bonshak.

The same goes for Cunningham whose sisters Kayla and Kourtney were also instrumental in setting a good example as they each made a strong impact on the Whitehall sports landscape.

With these two student-athletes having quite a bit in common, it seems only fitting that they share one more accolade. That’s why they’ve been chosen as the Co-Female Athletes of the Year by the Whitehall-Coplay Press.

Bonshak said that she enjoyed playing all sports at Whitehall, with each helping to make her more attentive in class.

“I think the sports helped keep my grades in line because they taught me a lot about responsibility and time management,” said Bonshak.

Cunningham shared that belief. She played four sports, spending a lot of time in practice and at the games, so she had to make sure time was slotted for studying.

“I just wanted to be active,” said Cunningham. “It helps you focus and practice time management.”

“I feel like you get more out of the high school experience,” said Bonshak.

Cunningham said that enjoyed each sport more by playing different ones throughout the season. Bonshak said that each sport demanded different things and that made her a better athlete, both physically and mentally.

They both said that winning a district championship in soccer their sophomore year remains their fondest memory on the field.

“I loved that team and the way we clicked together,” said Bonshak.

They also point to the friendships they forged during their careers, with Bonshak enjoying the bonding during their annual trips to Myrtle Beach for softball, while Cunningham enjoyed the balance of fun and seriousness they had while playing field hockey her senior season.

“All that fun we had together that whole year really brought us together,” said Cunningham.

Bonshak said that she and Cunningham have been together since youth sports, playing club soccer where they both began to excel. That’s what made their senior year in soccer extremely special, playing a sport together for the last time as seniors at Whitehall.

Cunningham got to experience one more thrill as she and Amanda Crooks, Kate Bonshak and Angel Bacon became the fastest foursome in the district.

Cunningham credits the underclassmen for stepping up and helping them win the 4x100 title since they lost Ivanna Jones to graduation after placing second in the league championship last year.

Bonshak was also a big part of the softball team’s success her senior season, playing outstanding defense in right field, while coming through in the clutch at the plate as she knocked in nine runs this year.

Bonshak will now become a Spartan where she’ll study civil engineering, while Cunningham is set to be a Cardinal where she’ll major in business.

With such an intertwined past, perhaps their college careers will find a crossroads as well.