CENTRE – Cherokee County senior softball pitcher isn’t big about the spotlight.

The latest proof of that was Friday afternoon, when she signed a softball scholarship with the University of North Alabama.

Davis said she didn’t want to make a big deal about it. Lady Warrior head coach Travis Barnes said he didn’t find out Davis had made up her mind to sign until a couple of days ago, and most of Davis’s Lady Warrior teammates found out just minutes before she officially signed in the Cherokee County High School gym lobby.

“I really didn’t want many people to know,” Davis said. “I wanted to keep things sort of secretive. I’m just happy to get a scholarship. It’s a privilege they offered me one.

“I couldn’t have done it without the help Coach Barnes has given me, my previous coaches have given me, even my dad (Doug Davis). My sister (Deidra Davis) has always told me to work hard and always try to do my best. I’ve always gone out there and tried to work hard, try to do my best. Working hard really gets you somewhere I guess.”

Davis may not be about the spotlight, but it certainly has found its way to her on the softball field.

Last season, Davis led the Lady Warriors (39-6) to their second straight Class 4A state runner-up by compiling a 39-3 record in the circle in 255 innings. She had 275 strikeouts and 0.60 ERA.

At the plate, she batted .496 with 17 doubles, five home runs, two triples, 14 walks, 38 runs and 42 RBIs.

Following the season, Davis was named the Alabama Sportswriters Association Class 4A Player of the Year, in addition to being chosen the Cherokee County Softball Most Valuable Player.

Barnes said Davis has “probably the best work ethic of any player I’ve ever coached.” He also coaches Davis in basketball, where she starts at forward.

“She manages her time well,” Barnes said. “She’ll do basketball practice, then go throw 150 pitches a night. She’ll hit, and on top of that, she’s No. 1 in her class as well. I don’t know where she finds all the time to do it. She’s not really your typical teenager.”

Davis said her attraction to North Alabama began during the off-season, where she met North Alabama coach Jason Anderson at a showcase camp in Tuscaloosa.

“He was like ‘I’d like for you to come and take a visit,’” Davis said. “We went up there and took a visit, and I really liked the campus. I like the school and I like the coaches.

“I’d always told mom (Cathy Davis) and dad I wanted to go somewhere small. I’m from a small place, and I don’t want to go anywhere big. It just fits. I’m not far away from home. It’s in Florence. I like the environment and I like where it is.”

Anderson believes Davis will fit in well with the Lady Lion program, which is making the transition from Division II to Division I.

“She’s a great addition to our team, not only as a pitcher but as a hitter as well,” Anderson said. “We feel like she can come in and perform at a high level for our team. I know she’s been in a leadership role (at Cherokee County). She takes care of business in the classroom. She fits in with what we do here. She’s just a good, solid kid all the way around, and we’re excited about having her here at North Alabama.”