Brighton senior Avery Billings signs a softball scholarship with Dyersburg State Monday in the BHS library. Also pictured are, from left, front, Brodie Billings, brother; Chris Billings, father; Krytal Billings, mother; back, Robin Jacobs, coach; and Emily Stewart, assistant coach. Photo by Jeff Ireland
Avery Billings and her coach were getting ready for the Brighton outfielder to have a breakout softball season last spring.
Then she injured her shoulder. Then COVID-19 hit and the season was canceled.
Despite those two unfortunate events, Billings, now a senior, achieved her goal of signing a softball scholarship. She made it official Monday morning in the BHS library when she signed a letter of intent with Dyersburg State Community College.
“We were really looking forward to her playing last year because it was going to be her first year to start all the time,” said Brighton softball coach Robin Jacobs. “She’s an extremely reliable and clutch player, somebody you really want on your team.”
She will join three Tipton County products – Brinley Cousar and McKenzie Richardson of Covington and Karlee Haley of Brighton – at DSCC. All three signed last year.
“I went on a visit last summer and that’s when I decided,” Billings said. “It’s close to home and I knew some girls who were already there.”
Billings recovered from her shoulder injury, played summer and fall softball and is ready to go next spring.
“She works really hard,” Jacobs said. “We’re looking for her to be a great leader for us and help us get to where we need to go. We have a great team coming back this year and she’s part of it. We’re excited to have her.”
