Key, Sundeen will play at Ferrum

By Corine Gatti

Published: May 9, 2008

STUARTS DRAFT — Sit back, relax and play it cool. That’s what Riverhead forward Chris Key and Stuarts Draft keeper Matt Sundeen demonstrated after they both committed to play soccer at Ferrum College next season.
“It feels good that somebody wants you to play for them,” Sundeen said. “I thought it would be fun and a good opportunity to play college soccer.”
Sitting with Sundeen was long-time friend Key, he was unruffled as he talked about the beginning of his colligate career.
“It’s a lot easier to join a new team with someone you know and played with since you were kids, but right now I’m focused on playing high school,” Key said.
Playing on the same pitch at Ferrum will be just like the days of playing soccer for the Augusta County Futbol Club since they were 12-year-olds. Sundeen said that experience helped prepare him for college ball, Key nodded in agreement.
“All I can say is that the travel team is just like a family,” Sundeen said after he glanced at Key. “Everyone sticks together and supports each other.”
Cougar assistant coach Jeff Coffey has coached the two players on the travel team for four years. He knew that Key and Sundeen, who is his stepson, would get a nod at the college level.
“There was a lot of talent on that team,” Coffey said. “These two stood out in their positions among others who are also going to college next year.”
Gladiator assistant coach Lynn Key knew the crop of talent playing on the travel team would progress.
“I told them that they are going to be the trailblazers for other kids, who want to play in college,” Key said. “It’s been incredible to watch these players come up and going to play college, I knew that they would someday.”
After graduation, taking it easy is not an option for the new recruits.
“I’m going to play in a soccer summer league in order to get ready until I leave for Ferrum.”
Ferrum is a member of the NCAA Division III USA South Conference.