Eastern Michigan Athletics
The episode centers on alignment, as Billy Donlon and Scott Wetherbee lay out a clear path for Eastern Michigan men's basketball grounded in belief and accountability. Donlon pointed to the hiring process as a turning point, saying, "What really got my juices really flowing was the Zoom interview… you could feel their passion, their purpose," while emphasizing a program built on toughness and unity where players "play for Eastern Michigan on the front of the jersey." Wetherbee reinforced that direction, describing a deliberate search that narrowed from "25, 30 people" to one clear choice driven by "energy" and a proven track record, adding, "We all looked at each other and like, that's our guy." Together, their message focused on consistency, development, and community investment, with Wetherbee urging support beyond the hire, saying, "If you care about Eastern Michigan… come give us a try," as both leaders signal a program ready to move forward with shared purpose.
Published on 3/30/2026
Episode 26 centers on impact beyond competition through conversations with Rachel Amity and Omar Ahmad, who detail how Eastern supports student-athletes at every level. Amity emphasizes a "full spectrum of care" that blends therapy with performance tools while building trust through visibility and relationships, noting "we can't completely separate athlete from person." Her work focuses on strategies like "visualization and imagery" and reinforcing that mental health must match physical preparation for true performance. Ahmad, highlighting the Week of Excellence, shifts the lens to storytelling and opportunity, calling it "an opportunity… to highlight what our student-athletes are bringing to the table." He underscores the role of mentorship, legacy, and donor support in shaping futures, adding, "we're really changing people's lives." Together, the interviews show a unified approach where care, connection, and investment define the Eastern experience.
Published on 3/23/2026
Episode 25 centers on two behind-the-scenes perspectives within Eastern Michigan athletics, as quarterback Noah Kim discusses the unexpected NCAA waiver that granted him another season and the leadership role he embraces as he enters year two, leading the Eagles' offense. Kim reflects on continuity, preparation, and the motivation of returning to a familiar program while guiding a younger roster. The episode also highlights assistant sports performance coach Aaron Abraham, who explains how he balances responsibilities with both basketball programs while building individualized training plans, monitoring athlete performance data, and developing trust with student-athletes. Together, the interviews offer insight into the preparation, leadership, and development shaping Eastern Michigan programs heading into spring competition.
Published on 3/16/2026
Episode 24 highlights two in-depth conversations across Eastern Michigan athletics. Senior tennis captain Regina Mendez Carreño shares the story behind her path from Mexico to Ypsilanti, describing the family support, cultural adjustments, and mindset that shaped her final collegiate season while helping lead an international roster preparing for MAC play. The episode also features interim baseball head coach Trevor Beerman, who discusses the lessons from a demanding 16-game road stretch, the emergence of leadership within a young roster, and the significance of returning to Oestrike Stadium as the Eagles begin the next phase of their season.
Published on 3/9/2026
Season 8, Episode 23 opens with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis setting the stage for EMU athletics in March, then dives into two in-depth interviews. Senior pitcher Ethan Davis discussed navigating a season of change, explaining, "I think we… faced some adversity on the pitching staff. But then… staying together through that adversity, it helped us a lot." He highlighted consistency, preparation, and mental focus as keys to success, noting, "Being able to trust [catchers]… that's one of the biggest things." The episode also featured EMU Men's Basketball Director of Operations Carlos McMath, who reflected on his path from football player to lawyer to basketball coach. McMath emphasized leadership and mentorship, saying, "Ultimately, basketball is great, but I want to make sure he's a great young man. He represents our last name with respect and integrity." He shared lessons from sports and law school, adding, "Invest in yourself. Figure out your goals, map it out, and when the map gets destroyed, remap it again." The show captures both athletic insight and personal development, framing March as a time of competition, growth, and preparation for EMU athletes.
Published on 3/2/2026
Season 8, Episode 22 centers on two in depth conversations, beginning with Eastern Michigan freshman guard Gregory Lawson II, who reflects on earning a larger role, building confidence, and embracing defense as injuries reshaped the rotation, saying, "At first, it was kind of nervous… but now I'm ready," and crediting steady belief with "staying confident" during his recent scoring surge, while also sharing how family ties and long term recruiting trust made EMU feel like home; the episode then shifts to Andrew Sivulka, president of Endurium's newly formed VIPER division, who traces his path from SEC diver to business leader and explains how his firm works "week in and week out" with clients, adding, "We're coaches, and we're players too," as he outlines a hands on approach to cutting costs, driving efficiency, and strengthening community partnerships with Eastern Michigan athletics.
Published on 2/23/2026
Season 8, Episode 21 centers on two in-depth conversations that highlight preparation and possibility across Eastern Michigan athletics. Men's golf coach Andy Walker details how winter training, national rankings and a deep roster have positioned his team for a MAC title push, stressing that "Golf is an outdoor sport" while embracing indoor work to refine "process and mentality and breathing." He points to leaders like Charlie Box, who "wants to tear your guts out," and a healthier lineup as key pieces in a postseason chase where "MAC determines postseason for us this year." The episode then shifts to former track star Jasmine Jones, who reflects on her foundation at EMU and her path to the 2026 Winter Olympics in bobsled. "It's definitely created this foundation that I needed," Jones says of her Eastern career, recounting the moment she heard her name called for Olympic selection while "sitting on pins and needles." From rebuilding confidence after her first World Cup win to balancing motherhood and elite sport, Jones shares a story grounded in belief, closing with a message that defines the episode's tone: "As long as you believe it and you can strive to do it, then go do it."
Published on 2/16/2026
Season 8, Episode 20 centers on voices shaping Eastern Michigan athletics, with women's golf coach Josh Brewer and interim baseball coach Trevor Beerman leading the conversation. Brewer shares belief built through winter work, national ranking momentum, and a roster driven by daily competition as the spring season begins on the West Coast. Beerman details a transition marked by trust, continuity, and hunger, pointing to leadership within the locker room, growth on the mound, and pride tied to Oestrike Stadium. Framed by the show's 200th episode milestone, the interviews carry a feature tone rooted in purpose, patience, and programs pushing toward championships.
Published on 2/9/2026
The episode featured extended conversations with Eastern Michigan lacrosse head coach Maddie Dugan and sophomore Alex Paterson, placing the focus squarely on people driving the program forward. Dugan discussed life after a regular season conference title, describing excitement around returning talent, a strengthened coaching staff, and clear goals of postseason advancement. "We're excited and expected to do well this year," Dugan said, pointing to experience, balance on offense, and a physical defensive identity as foundations entering the season. The second interview shifted to Paterson, who shared a personal journey back to the field after suffering burns across 28 percent of her body in an off field accident. Patterson detailed recovery, surgery, and relearning how to walk, all while keeping lacrosse at the center of her motivation. "My first question was asking if I could play lacrosse again," she said. Together, the interviews framed a show built on ambition, growth, and perseverance within Eastern Michigan lacrosse.
Published on 2/2/2026
Episode 18 opened with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a busy week across EMU Athletics, from women's basketball honoring the day against Toledo to a packed doubleheader and campus events. The conversation touched on national college football, then shifted home as senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe discussed an unbeaten start, all-around success, leadership growth, and balance inside the gym and classroom. Men's basketball head coach Stan Heath followed with a breakdown of the Bowling Green comeback effort, growth from Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison, and lessons shaping preparation for Kent State. Together, the show blended reflection, competition, and forward motion across the department.
Published on 1/19/2026
Episode 17 opened the new year with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis blending humor with momentum before spotlighting two voices shaping EMU's winter season. Gymnastics junior Gwendelyn Cantu reflected on her first career vault win, the confidence built through training, and the energy driving a resurgent program ahead of a themed home meet. Tennis coach Ryan Kucera followed with a look at the spring season shift, team culture, and the growth of a young roster as match play begins. Together, the conversations framed a semester fueled by belief, preparation, and competitive edge across Eastern Michigan athletics.
Published on 1/12/2026
The Eastern Insider wrapped up 2025 with a fast mix of holiday music talk, lighthearted moments and major news across EMU athletics. Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with favorite songs and a story about Davis dressing as a Christmas tree in Detroit before shifting to football honors, a 37 player signing class and the team banquet that highlighted Dante McMillan. They moved to basketball updates, including a look at freshman guard Peyton Hill, who later detailed her early rise and strong support system. The episode also covered women's games against Indiana and Ball State, the men's December road stretch and a return home against UMass. The show previewed gymnastics, noted several sports coming back in January and closed by celebrating WEMU's 60th anniversary.
Published on 12/8/2025
Episode 15 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE begins with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis breaking down what they called "a lot of W's" across Eastern Michigan, led by the men's basketball team's road upset at Cincinnati, the program's first Power Conference road victory in a decade. The hosts joke about Steiner's prediction and detail the scheduling quirks, late-night travel, and quick holiday turnaround that framed back-to-back wins before previewing upcoming matchups with Butler and Cleary. They highlight the women's team's strong start and set up two major interviews, including point guard Ainhoa Cea discussing her move from Spain and her growing impact, and President James Smith reflecting on his decade of leadership, community ties, and upcoming retirement. The segment closes with reminders about Giving Tuesday, football signing da,y and Friday's basketball doubleheader.
Published on 12/1/2025
Episode 14 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE sets the scene for Eastern Michigans rivalry matchup with Western Michigan as Greg Steiner and Elena Davis break down postseason paths, revisit Westerns last trip to the MAC Championship, and outline the stakes for EMU's senior night. The hosts move through football promotions, highlight recent men's and women's basketball results, and preview the episodes featured interviews. Chris Creighton explains his teams late season growth, senior leadership, and the challenge Western brings to the finale. Ruby Brannon shares her transition from Australia to Division I basketball, her adjustment to American culture and style of play, and the impact of EMUs international roster on her comfort and development.
Published on 11/24/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE shifted past its light opening banter and focused on two interviews that framed the episode. Junior swimmer Lucy Noble detailed her path from Florida to Eastern Michigan, her work behind the camera, her years as a lifeguard, and her approach as a team captain. She also discussed the adjustment to Michigan seasons and the bonds that define the roster. The show then turned to head football coach Chris Creighton, who spoke about reaching 200 career wins and the people who shaped his three-decade journey. He pointed to former players, colleagues, and mentors who reconnected during the week, and he reviewed the defensive surge, special teams execution, and road performance that carried Eastern Michigan to the milestone victory.
Published on 11/17/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast powered by DTE put the spotlight on two standout voices from Eastern Michigan athletics. Head football coach Chris Creighton broke down the Eagles' 27-21 victory over Bowling Green, crediting improved physical play and a renewed focus on fundamentals during the bye week for the team's strong finish. He praised his players' discipline and resilience, pointing to key moments like Ronn Hardin's game-clinching sack and Noah Kim's second-half turnaround. Later, senior swimmer and team captain Ali Kudo shared her journey balancing neuroscience studies with the demands of Division I competition. She reflected on leading through injury, finding motivation in her teammates, and how communication and empathy define her approach to leadership.
Published on 11/10/2025
Coach Chris Creighton delivers a clear message to the football team during the bye. Fix mistakes. Improve every day. Earn success through effort and discipline as the team enters the final stretch. He discusses communication with players, the tone of recent practices, and the importance of home-field pride as Bowling Green arrives for Military Appreciation Day. The show also features Standard Printing president Steve Dobrovich. He describes more than three decades of partnership with the university and why continued support matters for athletes, staff, and the campus community. His comments highlight pride in Ypsilanti business history and the connection between local investment and Eastern's progress. The episode sets a focused approach for the month ahead across EMU sports.
Published on 11/3/2025
The latest Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE delivered equal parts fun and insight as hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Halloween-themed episode with lighthearted banter before diving into Eastern Michigan's busy athletic slate. The duo reflected on football's narrow loss to Ohio and the team's need to recharge before facing Bowling Green, while spotlighting soccer's crucial 3-2 win over Northern Illinois and volleyball's reverse sweep of Buffalo to stay in MAC contention. With basketball season tipping off, men's head coach Stan Heath outlined his program's new "PITT" identity built on pace, intensity, toughness, and togetherness, while women's head coach Sahar Nusseibeh emphasized leadership, international talent, and a "road warrior" mindset entering year two.
Published on 10/27/2025
The latest episode of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE showcased a week of determination and progress across Eastern Michigan athletics. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with updates on EMU soccer's key win over Akron that kept the Eagles in MAC Tournament contention and volleyball's upcoming series against Buffalo. The spotlight centered on senior setter and captain Ashlynn Belcher, who shared her story of transferring from Old Dominion and immediately earning her teammates' respect as a leader. Belcher reflected on her growth, her father's influence as a former Major League pitcher, and her appreciation for the team she calls her favorite of her career. The show also previewed EMU football's return to Rynearson Stadium for a pivotal matchup against defending MAC champion Ohio, part of a packed Made in the Mitten and Band Day celebration expected to draw more than 1,100 band members to campus.
Published on 10/20/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE turned its focus to defense and tradition in Episode 8, as hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped EMU's hard-fought win over Northern Illinois and previewed the road trip to Miami. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised the Eagles' progress, pointing to improved tackling and execution as keys to sustaining success in conference play. The show also honored two legends entering the E-Club Hall of Fame, men's basketball great John Bowler and women's standout Nikki Knapp, whose careers embodied the competitive spirit that defines Eastern Michigan. With added updates across fall sports, the episode balanced on-field insight with a celebration of athletic legacy in Ypsilanti.
Published on 10/13/2025
Eastern Michigan's latest Eastern Insider Podcast mixed football grit with volleyball leadership. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised his team's aggressive mindset and offensive improvement despite an overtime loss at Buffalo, while previewing Saturday's Car Show Game against Northern Illinois. On the volleyball court, junior captain Surabhi Srinivasan shared how she transitioned from a limited role early in her career to becoming a trusted leader voted in by her teammates. She discussed her growth, balance between humor and focus, and the pride she feels representing EMU both on the court and in the classroom.
Published on 10/6/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE returned with a packed sixth episode as co-hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped Eastern Michigan's rivalry loss at Central Michigan, highlighted standout running back Dante McMillan, and previewed this week's road trip to Buffalo. Head Coach Chris Creighton joined the show to stress the need for game-changing plays and consistent energy, while also praising McMillan as the toughest player on the roster. The episode shifted to alumni success as Davis sat down with former EMU pitcher Anthony Tomey, who reflected on his championship days in Ypsilanti, the honor of receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, and his growth as CEO of The Tomey Group, which now operates 50 Jimmy John's locations and brands like 8 Mile Vodka and Born in Detroit. Alongside football and alumni features, the show also spotlighted women's soccer, volleyball, baseball's "wildcard weekend," and even mixed in some Detroit sports talk, keeping the blend of athletics and personality at the forefront.
Published on 9/29/2025
Episode 5 of Season 8 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE captured a packed weekend for Eastern Michigan athletics, highlighted by a dramatic 34-31 homecoming football victory over Louisiana, which featured the debut of sleek black uniforms and the new "MACCoon" turnover chain. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis also celebrated EMU soccer's 1-0 win over Toledo that moved the Eagles to 2-0 in conference play for the first time since 2014, placing them atop the MAC standings. The episode shifted to the road ahead, with football preparing for its 103rd meeting against Central Michigan, before turning to Davis' interview with track senior Sophie Emin, who transferred from Rutgers and has embraced EMU's championship tradition, crediting longtime coach Sue Parks for shaping her as both an athlete and a person.
Published on 9/22/2025
Eastern Michigan University is celebrating its 97th Homecoming with Operation Paint It Green, bringing a full week of spirit-filled events to campus. Highlights include the retirement celebration for longtime track and field coach Sue Parks, the ribbon-cutting for the new track complex, a track alumni tailgate, and the all-sports reunion before Saturday's 3:30 p.m. football game at Rynearson Stadium. Fans can also enjoy fall sports action, exclusive EMU merchandise at games, and opportunities throughout the week to join in on the Homecoming tradition.
Published on 9/15/2025