Brighton outfielder Karlee Haley signs to play at Dyersburg State

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Brighton senior Karlee Haley has played behind some more experienced players during most of her career, including the bulk of last season.

During the last few games of 2018, however, her dedication and talent led to head coach Robin Jacobs inserting her into the staring lineup as an outfielder, and she excelled.

Now she’s a college signee.

In front a large group of family, friends and teammates Friday morning at Brighton she inked a softball scholarship with Dyersburg State Community College.

“She works really hard and she’s been like that since she’s been here,” Jacobs said. “She hasn’t been a starter all of her career, but she’s done everything we’ve asked her to do. It’s really gratifying to see this happen for her.”

Haley comes from athletic genes. Her father, Jeremy Haley, was a standout athlete at Millington High School in the 1980s and also coached her in softball when she was younger.

“He pushed me,” she said with a smile. “He always knew what I was capable of doing.”

Haley wasn’t sure if she was going to play college softball until a few months ago.

“When I went and practiced with them (DSCC), I was like, ‘This is the real deal.’ My senior year is going to be more stress-free since I know where I’m going.”