Senior Isabelle Easton signed a letter of intent Tuesday, Oct. 23, to play softball at Cleary University.

Easton will be a part of the Cougars’ National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics softball team, starting this fall in Howell, Mich.

She will be be playing first base for the Cougars and is eager to take the next step of her career.

“I’m excited because I get to play softball for another four years and play at a whole new level of competition,” Easton said.

Easton has visited Cleary twice and has enjoyed both visits.

“I really like the size of the school,” Easton said.

Cleary is a private school with just over 500 undergraduate students.

She plans to study health care management at Cleary while pursuing her favorite sport.

Easton’s life has revolved around softball for the last nine years.

She was a part of the Cardinal Heat travel team her freshman year and Firestix travel team the last three years.

Easton has played pitcher, first base, and third base throughout her softball career.

Despite only being a Hornet for two years, Easton came to Kearsley and made an impact in the softball program.

She earned first team All-State in her first year at Kearsley, her junior year.

Throughout her career, she has also earned All-League, All-District, and All-Regional honors.

Even after only playing for a short two years at Kearsley, Easton admires the coaching staff as she moves on to Cleary.

“I will miss the coaching staff the most,” Easton said. “Without them, I would not be the softball player I am today.”

Through the years, one coach has made a major impact on her life: Mr. Scott Ouellette.

“He (Ouellette) has motivated me to be the best I can be,” Easton said. “He always reminds me to believe in myself, even if I had a bay day. He has taught me hard work and perseverance.”

She credits her father for helping her become the best version of herself.

“My dad has been there for me from the beginning,” Easton said. “He pushes me to be the best I can be physically and mentally. He is my best friend.”

Easton wants to help her college team win championships.

“Cleary is a successful softball team, and I hope I am able to experience winning a championship,” Easton said.

Easton’s younger brother, sophomore Kody Easton, looks up to Isabelle.

“I am proud of her in every way,” Kody said, “as my sister and as a softball player.”

Kody aspires to be like his sister.

“I hope one day I can excel in school and on the field like she does,” Kody said.

Easton advises youth softball players to keep pushing to become better players on and off the field.

“Let softball not only be fun but a learning device in life because it can get you through many situations and teach you a lot about yourself,” Easton said.