Brighton second baseman Timily David signs with Dyersburg State

Last February Brighton infielder Timily David made a verbal commitment to the University of Central Arkansas on Twitter.

But the chance to the play closer to home and with a couple of her long-time teammates ended up being something she could not pass up.

David switched her commitment to Dyersburg State over the summer and the senior made it official last Friday when she signed a scholarship with the school in front of friends, family, coaches and teammates in the BHS gym lobby.

“I think it’s a good fit for me because I really didn’t want to go that far from the house,” David said. “I get to play with some of the best friends (Kelsey Camp, Brighton; Ryleigh Bowers, TRA) I’ve had my whole life. I’be played with them since I started playing travel softball.”

David, an All-West Tennessee performer at second base last season, is a lefty hitter who can slap or swing away. Brighton head coach Robin Jacobs said David is a key part of a nucleus that figures to be very strong this spring.

“She’s the kind of player you can coach hard,” Jacobs said. “She’s got a high ceiling. We’re expecting lights out with her. She’s experienced and knows what to do.”

Jacobs said David, who was a part-time starter as a freshman and a full-time starter last season, will hit second in the order this season.

Entering his 26th season, Jacobs also coached David’s mother, Heidi (Ballard) Delashmit, who started at second base and graduated in 2000.

“All the time,”  David said with a smile when asked if her mom ever offers up advice for playing second base at Brighton. “She tells me to work hard at what you do, basically.”