Kayla Key poses with her Family moments after signing her scholarship to Faulkner.| Caleb Suggs

Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Kayla Key of Hartselle signed a scholarship to play basketball at Faulkner University.

A reception was given in her honor in the school cafeteria November 2 with family members, coaches, teammates, senior athletes from other sports and friends in attendance.

Key has plenty of basketball roots, as her father Faron is the head coach of the boy’s varsity team at Hartselle, and played basketball at Faulkner as well. Key has been a significant part of every team she has played on since she started. “When we started it wasn’t about signing a college scholarship” Faron Key said. “Each year we just set out to be the best we could be that year and work up, and I think it has really paid off.”

Kayla may have signed a basketball scholarship at Faulkner, but her work at Hartselle isn’t done just yet. As a returning starter and senior, Key will lead a tough Hartselle team that won the Morgan County Tournament and looks to go even further. Head coach Gary Orr didn’t try to downplay Key’s role this season. “We lost a lot of seniors last year,” Orr said, “but we’ll still be alright because players like Kayla have played so much that they make up for it.”

Kayla is excited to attend school and play basketball at the school her father attended. “I love the family atmosphere that Faulkner offers, and the beliefs and goals that the team has are the same beliefs and goals that I have for myself.” Kayla Key said  “Tine W. Davis Gymnasium is the first gym that I ever attended a basketball game at five days old, so I am excited to be able to play and finish out my basketball career in that gym.”

Likewise, head basketball coach Reed Sutton is happy to have a talented player like Kayla on his roster. “We are excited to sign such a great versatile guard like Kayla. She is a perfect all-around fit for our program athletically, academically and spiritually” Reed said. “She comes from a great family, and we are looking forward to start coaching her to impact our team after she leads her team to an amazing Senior Season.” Kayla is excited to attend Faulkner not only to light up the court but to receive a great education as well. She plans to major in biology with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy. After her four years at Faulkner, she will pursue her masters in Athletic Training.

Overall, it was a very exciting day for Key and everyone in attendance. “We are very proud of her.” Faron Key said “This is a fantastic opportunity for her and I know she will make the most of it.”

Key has already seen plenty of action this season as she was a big part in leading the Lady Tigers to a big 63-21 win over the West Point Warriors in the season opener.