Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 18
1/27/2025 7:00:00 PM | Baseball, General, Lacrosse
Hoops Heat Up, Spring Sports Bloom, and Bold Goals Take Center Stage
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- As the spring sports season begins, Eastern Michigan University is buzzing with excitement across multiple programs. On the Eastern Insider Podcast, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner highlighted the momentum in men's basketball, spring sports updates, and more.
The men's basketball team is on a roll, securing three consecutive wins for the third time under head coach Stan Heath. With a chance to extend their streak to four games—a first in the Heath era—they face a resurgent Miami squad on Tuesday. The Eagles have hit their stride, boasting their best MAC start (4-3) since the 2016-17 season. Key contributors like Yusuf Jihad, whose stellar effort against Buffalo helped seal a critical win, have played pivotal roles. Jihad stepped up when foul trouble limited Da'Sean Nelson, proving that depth can make all the difference.
The women's basketball team is battling through adversity, most recently falling to Ohio in a tough road matchup. Missing starting point guard Mackenzie Amalia, the Eagles struggled to maintain momentum despite a strong start. However, the team looks to bounce back this week with games against Kent State and Toledo, as they celebrate Alumni Weekend and host their annual "Play4Kay" game, supporting cancer awareness.
In spring sports, excitement is brewing with EMU lacrosse under new Head Coach Maddie Dugan. After leading Detroit Mercy to the MAC Championship game last year, Dugan brings energy and high expectations. With standout player Mackenzie Blackwell returning after a stellar season, the program is optimistic about competing for a conference title. On the diamond, EMU baseball is gearing up for their Florida opener against Pitt, led by fiery second-year transfer Gianno Zuccaro, who brings energy and leadership to the squad.
Segment 1 - Maddie Dugan
EMU lacrosse Head Coach Maddie Dugan joined Tom Helmer on this week's Eastern Insider podcast to discuss her first season leading the program, the team's potential, and her journey in lacrosse.
Coming off a preseason exhibition against Grand Valley State, Dugan reflected on the team's progress. "It was a great starting point," she said. "A lot of good things happened, and there's a lot we can build from. With two weeks until our first game, it came at the perfect time to make adjustments."
Dugan, a Hall of Fame player from Adrian College, brings a wealth of experience to EMU. "We never lost a conference game in my four years, went to the NCAA tournament four times, and even won a tournament game my junior year," she recalled. "Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was such an honor, but it also made sense for the hard work we put in as a team."
The first-year coach expressed confidence in her squad, especially standout Mackenzie Blackwell, who netted nearly 50 goals last season. "She's pure firepower all over the field," Dugan said. "She's a force, and her work ethic sets the tone for our team."
When asked about the team's goals, Dugan didn't shy away from bold expectations. "I truly think it's our championship to win—or lose," she stated. "We have strong players at every position, and I'm familiar with the MAC, so I believe we have what it takes."
Dugan also touched on the evolution of women's lacrosse. "While our game is becoming more similar to the men's, I love the uniqueness of women's lacrosse. It's special, and we'll continue to grow while maintaining that identity."
As EMU prepares to open its season, Dugan is ready to build a championship culture. "We're excited, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."
Segment 2 - Giano Zuccaro
Eastern Michigan outfielder Giano Zuccaro sat down with Greg Steiner on this week's Eastern Insider podcast to discuss his outlook on the upcoming baseball season, leadership, and his final year of collegiate competition.
"I'm very excited," Zuccaro said, reflecting on his final year in Ypsilanti. "We have a great group of guys, great personalities, and I think we have the tools to put something really special together."
Last season, Zuccaro transitioned into Division I baseball after transferring from the University of Charleston. The leap brought challenges, but he welcomed the competition. "Pitching's better, one through nine guys' orders are a lot better. It's more competitive, and I like it," he shared.
Now stepping into a leadership role, Zuccaro emphasized the importance of setting the tone for his younger teammates. "You kind of just go and people follow. You build a legacy by taking what you've learned and passing it on," he said.
Reflecting on last season's inconsistencies, Zuccaro is determined to maintain focus this year. "It's really just about taking one pitch at a time. The season's long, and you can't look past certain opponents. We're doing a better job staying present and enjoying the ride."
Zuccaro also credited Head Coach Robbie Britt with helping him grow both on and off the field. "Skip has helped me become a better man off the field and shown me that doing the little things right matters most," he said.
As his final season begins, Zuccaro is embracing every moment. "It's hit me that this is my last ride. I'm just going to enjoy it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly."
When asked to define the key to success, Zuccaro summed it up simply: "Eastern will be successful this year if we execute all three components: competitive strikes, good ABs, and solid pitching."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- As the spring sports season begins, Eastern Michigan University is buzzing with excitement across multiple programs. On the Eastern Insider Podcast, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner highlighted the momentum in men's basketball, spring sports updates, and more.
The men's basketball team is on a roll, securing three consecutive wins for the third time under head coach Stan Heath. With a chance to extend their streak to four games—a first in the Heath era—they face a resurgent Miami squad on Tuesday. The Eagles have hit their stride, boasting their best MAC start (4-3) since the 2016-17 season. Key contributors like Yusuf Jihad, whose stellar effort against Buffalo helped seal a critical win, have played pivotal roles. Jihad stepped up when foul trouble limited Da'Sean Nelson, proving that depth can make all the difference.
The women's basketball team is battling through adversity, most recently falling to Ohio in a tough road matchup. Missing starting point guard Mackenzie Amalia, the Eagles struggled to maintain momentum despite a strong start. However, the team looks to bounce back this week with games against Kent State and Toledo, as they celebrate Alumni Weekend and host their annual "Play4Kay" game, supporting cancer awareness.
In spring sports, excitement is brewing with EMU lacrosse under new Head Coach Maddie Dugan. After leading Detroit Mercy to the MAC Championship game last year, Dugan brings energy and high expectations. With standout player Mackenzie Blackwell returning after a stellar season, the program is optimistic about competing for a conference title. On the diamond, EMU baseball is gearing up for their Florida opener against Pitt, led by fiery second-year transfer Gianno Zuccaro, who brings energy and leadership to the squad.
Segment 1 - Maddie Dugan
EMU lacrosse Head Coach Maddie Dugan joined Tom Helmer on this week's Eastern Insider podcast to discuss her first season leading the program, the team's potential, and her journey in lacrosse.
Coming off a preseason exhibition against Grand Valley State, Dugan reflected on the team's progress. "It was a great starting point," she said. "A lot of good things happened, and there's a lot we can build from. With two weeks until our first game, it came at the perfect time to make adjustments."
Dugan, a Hall of Fame player from Adrian College, brings a wealth of experience to EMU. "We never lost a conference game in my four years, went to the NCAA tournament four times, and even won a tournament game my junior year," she recalled. "Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was such an honor, but it also made sense for the hard work we put in as a team."
The first-year coach expressed confidence in her squad, especially standout Mackenzie Blackwell, who netted nearly 50 goals last season. "She's pure firepower all over the field," Dugan said. "She's a force, and her work ethic sets the tone for our team."
When asked about the team's goals, Dugan didn't shy away from bold expectations. "I truly think it's our championship to win—or lose," she stated. "We have strong players at every position, and I'm familiar with the MAC, so I believe we have what it takes."
Dugan also touched on the evolution of women's lacrosse. "While our game is becoming more similar to the men's, I love the uniqueness of women's lacrosse. It's special, and we'll continue to grow while maintaining that identity."
As EMU prepares to open its season, Dugan is ready to build a championship culture. "We're excited, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."
Segment 2 - Giano Zuccaro
Eastern Michigan outfielder Giano Zuccaro sat down with Greg Steiner on this week's Eastern Insider podcast to discuss his outlook on the upcoming baseball season, leadership, and his final year of collegiate competition.
"I'm very excited," Zuccaro said, reflecting on his final year in Ypsilanti. "We have a great group of guys, great personalities, and I think we have the tools to put something really special together."
Last season, Zuccaro transitioned into Division I baseball after transferring from the University of Charleston. The leap brought challenges, but he welcomed the competition. "Pitching's better, one through nine guys' orders are a lot better. It's more competitive, and I like it," he shared.
Now stepping into a leadership role, Zuccaro emphasized the importance of setting the tone for his younger teammates. "You kind of just go and people follow. You build a legacy by taking what you've learned and passing it on," he said.
Reflecting on last season's inconsistencies, Zuccaro is determined to maintain focus this year. "It's really just about taking one pitch at a time. The season's long, and you can't look past certain opponents. We're doing a better job staying present and enjoying the ride."
Zuccaro also credited Head Coach Robbie Britt with helping him grow both on and off the field. "Skip has helped me become a better man off the field and shown me that doing the little things right matters most," he said.
As his final season begins, Zuccaro is embracing every moment. "It's hit me that this is my last ride. I'm just going to enjoy it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly."
When asked to define the key to success, Zuccaro summed it up simply: "Eastern will be successful this year if we execute all three components: competitive strikes, good ABs, and solid pitching."
Players Mentioned
A
/ Lacrosse
OF
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