After signing a letter of acceptance to attend Cairn University with the intent of walking on to its softball team, Reaven East says she’s taking nothing for granted.

The Kubasaki senior, who helped lead the Dragons to the 2015 Far East Division I Tournament final and was named All-Tournament, says she’s approaching 2018 Highlander softball tryouts with a mixed sense of anticipation and anxiety.

“I’m more nervous, because it’s a whole new ballpark,” East said. “You’re working for your spot on the team, your place on the team, and it can just as easily taken away. But I’m excited.”

“She’s never been afraid of hard work,” said East’s coach of four seasons at Kubasaki, Stephanie Davis. “She’s willing to put in the effort. She has that mindset that she can get it done.”

East was awarded an academic scholarship to Cairn, an NCAA Division III school, covering 90 percent of expenses.

Although East still has to play her way onto the team, Highlanders coach David Ashlay said he ‘believes that Reaven will make the team based on all her talents and attributes,” adding that he feels she’s an “ideal fit” for Cairn.

“Her academic strength matched with her softball skill set makes her an ideal candidate for our program,” Ashlay said. “What draws me to Reaven is her excellent motor skills. Reaven has great balance and body control, her form is top notch, not to mention a spirit that exudes fearless pitching.”

Cairn plays in the Colonial States Athletic Conference. The Highlanders are trying to work their way out of a lengthy slump; they have not had a winning season in almost a decade.