[Stardust]

Elena Key will have plenty of familiar company when she joins the women's soccer program at Midway College.

http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/app...902130347/

Key, a Simon Kenton High School senior, signed with the NAIA program Feb. 11.

She joins 2008 Simon Kenton grad Shannon Nienaber on the team, along with Dixie Heights seniors Ashley Reed and Kelsey Burch, who both signed earlier this month.

"I played with Ashley since I was little, and I've known Kelsey for a while, too, so it will be fun," Key said of her former rivals.

Key of Independence was a midfielder/forward for the Pioneers, who won their first-ever Ninth Region title in 2007 and were runners-up last year.

She is the second Pioneer soccer player this year to go to the next level. Krista Russell recently signed with St. Catharine's in Bardstown, Ky.

"I have a lot of friends in soccer," Key said. "I love playing and working hard."

Key plans to major in English and pre-law.