By Sue Moore
Kari Key, the third base standout on Vicksburg’s softball team, has signed a letter of intent to play softball for Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC).
She has played softball since she was 10 years old and always loved it. Besides third base she can sub at second or anywhere in the outfield with her favorite being right field. “I like diving for the catches,” Key said. She has been in the Vicksburg school system since kindergarten but lives in Portage. She plays travel ball with Elite in Grand Rapids now but started with the Hurricanes, playing with them for 8 years. “I love my teammates and just playing the game,” Key said.
“Travel ball prepares a person for life, not just about the sport,” Key said. “It shapes who you are and helps overcome some obstacles in life. I chose Valley because I loved the coaching staff. It’s a good place to start and then go on to a four-year school, perhaps at Ferris State or Saginaw Valley. I’m considering elementary or special ed as I’ve always loved helping people.” Key participates in Peer to Peer at the high school where students are paired with kids with special needs. She has been doing this for the last two years while carrying a 3.0 GPA.
“My parents have been very supportive through the years, driving me to my practices. They have always been there for me and help me get where I am today,” Key said. “I’m an only child with two dogs who are like a brother and sister to me.
Her dad, Mark, manages the Eimo plants on Portage Road. Her mom, Marion, works at St. Joseph County community mental health as a counselor. They come to all of her games. She takes hitting lessons in the winter and works out almost every day of the week.