Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Prepares for a Special Weekend of Celebration and Competition
1/31/2025 9:24:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Celebrating the impact of women in sports and welcoming back program alumni
Watch the Interview.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- As the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team gears up for a crucial home matchup Saturday, Feb. 1, against the University of Toledo, the program is set to host a weekend filled with meaningful events, celebrating the impact of women in sports, honoring cancer awareness, and welcoming back program alumni.
Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh sat down with Greg Steiner to discuss the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the annual Play4Kay game, and the return of nearly 30 former EMU players for Alumni Weekend.
A Passion for Women in Sports
For Coach Nusseibeh, National Girls and Women in Sports Day holds a special place in her heart. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared how watching college basketball as a young girl shaped her aspirations.
"I can remember sitting in my father's office, watching Notre Dame, UConn, and Villanova on a little TV and just idolizing those women," Nusseibeh recalled. "I would point at the screen and say, 'I want to be like them.' If you can see her, you can be her."
She emphasized the broader impact of sports beyond competition. "Studies show that when girls are involved in sports at a young age, they grow into confident women who excel as leaders—whether in the business world, as mothers, or in any profession they choose."
To celebrate the occasion, young athletes will have the opportunity to participate in clinics before the game, featuring interactive sessions with EMU's lacrosse, rowing, cheer, dance, and baseball teams. "It's going to be an incredible experience for young kids, both girls and boys, to be inspired and get involved," Nusseibeh said.
EMU will also be hosting a post-game autograph session with the team. Additionally, for those who arrive early and participate in the clinic, will also be able to receive a free pink t-shirt in honor of the Play4Kay initiative
Honoring a Legend with Play4Kay
Saturday's game will also serve as EMU's annual Play4Kay event, raising awareness for breast cancer research in honor of legendary NC State coach Kay Yow. Nusseibeh, who had the privilege of meeting Yow before she passed, spoke about the lasting legacy she left behind.
"Coach Yow was an incredible woman—so strong and resilient," Nusseibeh said. "She inspired so many people, and the foundation in her name continues to make a tremendous impact in the fight against cancer."
EMU's players and staff will don pink attire to show their support. "Raising awareness and funds is so important because so many women—and men—are affected by breast cancer," Nusseibeh added.
Welcoming Back EMU Basketball Legends
Adding to the weekend's significance, nearly 30 former EMU women's basketball players are set to return for Alumni Weekend. The event will feature a special alumni game on Friday night, where past Eagles will lace up once more for a friendly competition.
"It's amazing to have so many of our alumni coming back," Nusseibeh said. "Once you leave college, life gets busy. But the fact that nearly 30 women are returning speaks volumes about the pride they have for this program."
She emphasized the importance of connecting the current team with its history. "I call it bridge building—connecting the present with the past so our players know whose shoulders they stand on," she explained. "When you build those relationships, your experience becomes even more special."
Nusseibeh has personally made an effort to reconnect with alumni, even inviting them for coffee to hear their stories. But she's also hoping for a few surprises on the court.
While the alumni game will be a fun and competitive affair, Nusseibeh joked about whether she'd step onto the court herself. "Only if I'm needed," she said. "I get pretty competitive, and I don't want to hurt myself!"
A Season-Defining Stretch
With just five home games remaining in the season, Nusseibeh urged fans to come out and support the team.
"Our women work so hard, and seeing fans in the stands means the world to them," she said. "If you can't make it this weekend, there are still plenty of chances to come out and cheer us on."
Tickets for all remaining home games are available at EMUEagles.com/tickets, or by calling the EMU Ticket office at 734.487.3669.
EMU Women's Basketball Alumni Scheduled to Attend
Name - Years played
Dru (Bishop) Barisich - 1999-2003
Joy (Ganzel) Bisaro - 1979-1982
Krissy (Kachaturoff) Bowdell - 2001-2006
Sasha Dailey - 2014-2018
Shayna Deans - 2012-2017
Tori Easley - 2014-2018
Alexandra Fields - 2011-2012
Nikki (Knapp) Hall - 2002-2006
Chelsea Hite - 2009-2013
Tavelyn James - 2008-2012
Karen LeVert - 1980-1984
Janice (Scherer) Marshall - 1983-1987
Laura (Nelson) Miskelly - 1984-1988
Kris (Matthes) Ray - 1980-1983
Micah Robinson - 2014-2018
Sharon (Rose) Schwartz - 1983-1987
Stephanie Smile - 1986-1987
Cha Sweeney - 2013-2016
Sarah VanMetre - 2003-2007
Natachia Watkins - 2010-2014
Abby Wiseman - 1999-2003
Kristy (Maska) Zajac - 1998-2001
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- As the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team gears up for a crucial home matchup Saturday, Feb. 1, against the University of Toledo, the program is set to host a weekend filled with meaningful events, celebrating the impact of women in sports, honoring cancer awareness, and welcoming back program alumni.
Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh sat down with Greg Steiner to discuss the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the annual Play4Kay game, and the return of nearly 30 former EMU players for Alumni Weekend.
A Passion for Women in Sports
For Coach Nusseibeh, National Girls and Women in Sports Day holds a special place in her heart. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared how watching college basketball as a young girl shaped her aspirations.
"I can remember sitting in my father's office, watching Notre Dame, UConn, and Villanova on a little TV and just idolizing those women," Nusseibeh recalled. "I would point at the screen and say, 'I want to be like them.' If you can see her, you can be her."
She emphasized the broader impact of sports beyond competition. "Studies show that when girls are involved in sports at a young age, they grow into confident women who excel as leaders—whether in the business world, as mothers, or in any profession they choose."
To celebrate the occasion, young athletes will have the opportunity to participate in clinics before the game, featuring interactive sessions with EMU's lacrosse, rowing, cheer, dance, and baseball teams. "It's going to be an incredible experience for young kids, both girls and boys, to be inspired and get involved," Nusseibeh said.
EMU will also be hosting a post-game autograph session with the team. Additionally, for those who arrive early and participate in the clinic, will also be able to receive a free pink t-shirt in honor of the Play4Kay initiative
Honoring a Legend with Play4Kay
Saturday's game will also serve as EMU's annual Play4Kay event, raising awareness for breast cancer research in honor of legendary NC State coach Kay Yow. Nusseibeh, who had the privilege of meeting Yow before she passed, spoke about the lasting legacy she left behind.
"Coach Yow was an incredible woman—so strong and resilient," Nusseibeh said. "She inspired so many people, and the foundation in her name continues to make a tremendous impact in the fight against cancer."
EMU's players and staff will don pink attire to show their support. "Raising awareness and funds is so important because so many women—and men—are affected by breast cancer," Nusseibeh added.
Welcoming Back EMU Basketball Legends
Adding to the weekend's significance, nearly 30 former EMU women's basketball players are set to return for Alumni Weekend. The event will feature a special alumni game on Friday night, where past Eagles will lace up once more for a friendly competition.
"It's amazing to have so many of our alumni coming back," Nusseibeh said. "Once you leave college, life gets busy. But the fact that nearly 30 women are returning speaks volumes about the pride they have for this program."
She emphasized the importance of connecting the current team with its history. "I call it bridge building—connecting the present with the past so our players know whose shoulders they stand on," she explained. "When you build those relationships, your experience becomes even more special."
Nusseibeh has personally made an effort to reconnect with alumni, even inviting them for coffee to hear their stories. But she's also hoping for a few surprises on the court.
While the alumni game will be a fun and competitive affair, Nusseibeh joked about whether she'd step onto the court herself. "Only if I'm needed," she said. "I get pretty competitive, and I don't want to hurt myself!"
A Season-Defining Stretch
With just five home games remaining in the season, Nusseibeh urged fans to come out and support the team.
"Our women work so hard, and seeing fans in the stands means the world to them," she said. "If you can't make it this weekend, there are still plenty of chances to come out and cheer us on."
Tickets for all remaining home games are available at EMUEagles.com/tickets, or by calling the EMU Ticket office at 734.487.3669.
EMU Women's Basketball Alumni Scheduled to Attend
Name - Years played
Dru (Bishop) Barisich - 1999-2003
Joy (Ganzel) Bisaro - 1979-1982
Krissy (Kachaturoff) Bowdell - 2001-2006
Sasha Dailey - 2014-2018
Shayna Deans - 2012-2017
Tori Easley - 2014-2018
Alexandra Fields - 2011-2012
Nikki (Knapp) Hall - 2002-2006
Chelsea Hite - 2009-2013
Tavelyn James - 2008-2012
Karen LeVert - 1980-1984
Janice (Scherer) Marshall - 1983-1987
Laura (Nelson) Miskelly - 1984-1988
Kris (Matthes) Ray - 1980-1983
Micah Robinson - 2014-2018
Sharon (Rose) Schwartz - 1983-1987
Stephanie Smile - 1986-1987
Cha Sweeney - 2013-2016
Sarah VanMetre - 2003-2007
Natachia Watkins - 2010-2014
Abby Wiseman - 1999-2003
Kristy (Maska) Zajac - 1998-2001
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