Yukari came to Pierce College as an International Student from Kyoto, Japan. She contacted the athletic department wanting to try out for the Raiders Softball team. As a walk-on freshman, Yukari became an immediate starter splitting time between catcher and 3rd base. She finished the season with a .375 average and was named a West Region Second Team All-Star. The Raiders finished in 8th place with a 6-24 league record (8-31 overall).

Yukari exploded in her sophomore season (2006). She was one of the leading hitters in the NWAC, with a .509 average. Her 82 total hits are the most in a single season for Pierce Softball, as well as runs scored (71), and is second all-time with 68 runs batted in. As one of just two sophomores, Yukari led the rebuilt Raiders to a 23-7 league record, a second-place finish in the West Region, and the team’s first NWAC post season appearance in 10 years. For her outstanding season, Yukari was selected the West Region’s Most Valuable Player. She finished her career at Pierce with a .461 average. Yukari still holds Pierce softball records for hits (82) in a season and runs scored (71) in a season.

She was an outstanding student, being named to the Dean’s List four times. Yukari signed a letter of intent and received an academic scholarship to continue her education and athletic career at Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.