Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 16
12/8/2025 8:43:00 PM | General
Peyton Hill Talks Debut, Creighton Recaps Signing Day
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Insider opened its final show of 2025 with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis trading holiday music favorites, swapping memories and easing listeners into a wide look at the winter ahead for EMU athletics. The tone was light, but the episode set up a full slate of news that closed a busy year.
Steiner started the show by calling it the last episode of 2025 and asked Davis for her top holiday song. She answered fast. "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus or a classic All I Want for Christmas is You," she said. She added that the Mariah Carey hit was a "non-skip song" for her. Steiner countered with older choices like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Then he added the novelty track Dominic the Christmas Donkey. The discussion shifted again when Davis claimed she knew every lyric to Baby It's Cold Outside.
The holiday talk turned to Davis' appearance the day before in downtown Detroit, where she dressed as a Christmas tree. "I made so many people's day," she said. "People took pictures of me. I said I wanted to spread the Christmas cheer." Steiner teased her by telling listeners she appeared as an evergreen "because that is what she does for people."
The show moved into football as Steiner outlined recent honors. Eastern Michigan landed three second team selections and three third team picks in the MAC postseason awards. He added that head coach Chris Creighton signed 37 new players on signing day. The class reached a top three ranking in the MAC at one point based on 247Sports evaluations. The coaches then hosted the 63rd annual team banquet, where running back Dontae McMillan earned team MVP and the James "Bingo" Brown Award as offensive MVP. "We will hear from Chris Creighton," Steiner said. "He will tell you why he brought so many people in."
Basketball followed. EMU women's basketball beat Defiance on Friday and now prepares for Duquesne on Education Day. Davis highlighted freshman guard Peyton Hill, who joined the show later. "She is the leading freshman in the MAC for scoring," Davis said. "She said, wow, I must be good or something." Davis called Hill humble and said she embraced the culture at Eastern Michigan. Hill is from St. Louis. Davis noted Hill was surprised by Michigan's winter. "I was a little shocked hearing that," Davis said.
The women's team faces Indiana on Dec. 14, then Ball State on Dec. 20. Conference play opens Dec. 30 against Bowling Green.
The men's program earned a Friday win over Cleary. It marked a return to the George Gervin GameAbove Center for EMU Hall of Famer Carl Thomas. "He had never been in this building in the visitor locker room," Steiner said. Road games at Purdue Fort Wayne, Akron and Wright State fill the schedule through late December. The men return home Dec. 30 to play UMass in the program's first MAC meeting with the Minutemen. "Isn't that kind of weird," Davis asked. Steiner said it was his first time seeing a new full member join the MAC during his tenure.
The show previewed gymnastics next. Davis expressed excitement for the first open practice on Dec. 15. "There are so many new people," she said. "Going from high school to college is a big jump." Steiner added that more sports return in January with track, swimming, tennis, golf, baseball and lacrosse.
The hosts closed the open by marking a milestone for WEMU. The station celebrated its 60th anniversary. "Now it is worldwide thanks to the internet," Steiner said. He congratulated the WEMU leadership team and called the station the flagship voice of EMU athletics.
Segment 1 - Peyton Hill
Peyton Hill walked into college basketball with modest expectations. Eight games into her first season, the Eastern Michigan freshman guard has become one of the program's most productive scorers. She credits the people around her.
"Opportunity from teammates and coaches," Hill said during an interview on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "I wasn't expecting to get the big jump I had. I'm grateful for the position I'm in."
Hill said daily structure and support helped her adjust. She pointed to a high school program in St. Louis that followed a college-style model. "I give kudos to my high school," she said. "It prepped me well."
Her early production backs that up. Hill became the first EMU freshman to score 10 or more in seven of her first eight games since the 2008 to 2009 season. She also leads all MAC freshmen in scoring.
"Thank God," she said. "It's a blessing to play and have fun while achieving these things. My support system helps me stay steady. Sometimes I don't even realize the history I'm making."
Hill said Eastern Michigan felt right the moment she arrived on her visit. "The family orientation here is amazing," she said. "The environment felt perfect. The coaches treated me the same way then as they do now."
That trust made a difference during her recruitment. She said Eastern's staff reached out only a week before she planned to choose another school. "It aligned," Hill said. "I felt at home. No uneasiness."
The roster features nine international players, a mix that brings steady energy to the locker room. "They teach you new things," Hill said. "Spanish, Greek, French. Our differences make us closer."
Veterans on the team set a clear tone. Hill said there is no hierarchy. "We treat it like player and player," she said. "We respect the seniors, but we focus on playing ball together."
Mental growth has become her main focus during practice. "Sometimes I get in my head," she said. "I've improved a lot since high school. I see growth in my mental."
Her family has traveled from Missouri to see her early games and plans to return for matchups later this month. One of those games stands out. Eastern Michigan plays Indiana, where Hill's former high school teammate now plays. "I'm not nervous," Hill said. "I'm there to play ball. We'll talk after."
Hill still remembers the moment basketball became her path. As a child, her parents signed her up for a YMCA team while she pursued dance through her mother's studio. During one of her first games, she knocked down a behind-the-back step-back jumper. "My dad said, you play basketball," she said, smiling. She stayed with both sports until high school, then committed fully to the court.
One of her favorite memories came in Kentucky. She hit a game winner against Sacred Heart. "It brought the confidence I needed," she said. "I found a new level."
She said she likes road games and the challenge that comes with them. "I'm a big fan of adversity," Hill said. "I feel like I play best against other people's odds. It fuels my fire."
As Eastern prepares for Duquesne, Hill kept her message to fans simple. "You'll see a good defensive game," she said. "High energy from start to finish."
Hill spoke with the calm and confidence of a player who found her place sooner than expected. Her teammates saw it. Her coaches saw it. Now the league sees it too.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
The early signing period brought a mix of pride and emotion for Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton. He spoke at length about a class built through long relationships, focused evaluations and conversations that stretched across states and borders.
This is a huge day, one weve been looking forward to for a long time, Creighton said during the interview. He noted some prospects committed more than a year ago, which made seeing their letters arrive feel like payoff for steady work.
The staff opened with offensive lineman Samuel Adjin from Canada. Creighton said Adjin impressed coaches during a summer camp and on his official visit. His father got to be a part of that with him, Creighton said. Theyre getting excited and so are we. Adjin will enroll in January.
Junior college additions shaped large portions of the class. Creighton highlighted defensive lineman Colby Archie from Kansas. He has an amazing ability to pass rush, he said. Creighton noted that while watching film with assistants, all three coaches used the same words about Archie. All three of us said twitch, he said. Two of the three of us said bend.
Receiver JT Beasley from Mississippi fits a different prototype. When he walks out there, corners are going to say they should have spent more time in the weight room, Creighton said. Hes wired the right way. Hes serious. Hes driven. He wants to be great.
Linebacker Kijon Braxton from Georgia drew attention for length and versatility. He brings his mom, whos an alum, Creighton joked. But he quickly turned to football traits. He is long and has a knack for the ball, he said. Creighton views Braxton as a player who could line up on or off the ball.
Another linebacker, Zach Brown, will arrive with a physical style. He plays with the violence you want linebackers to play with, Creighton said.
Defensive back Cayden Burger from Mississippi offers speed and coverage skills. When he gets out in space, its tough to catch him, Creighton said.
In New Jersey, linebacker Marty Collins held a signing ceremony that stood out. Its the best Ive seen in 35 years, Creighton said. Cowens missed most of his season with an injury, but the staff stayed committed. Thats how we do it, Creighton said.
A Kansas junior college pipeline added defensive lineman Mark Debiak. Creighton pointed out a personal connection uncovered only days earlier. Debiak played for a coach who once played for Creighton at Ottawa University. Life is good, Creighton said.
The class also includes several players competing for state titles this week, including offensive lineman Andrew Trahin and running back Nazir Jones-Davis. Running back Decorie Johnson from Orlando stood out as a bigger back with route running and receiving ability.
Creighton said many signees will enroll in January, which changes preparation timelines. Those guys will have winter conditioning, spring ball and the full summer, he said.
The day carried heavier emotions as well. Creighton closed by honoring Elijah Berman, a recruit who died during the summer. We wanted to remember and honor him, Creighton said. He contacted Bermans mother and included him in the class. We miss him, Creighton said. We wish things were different. But we want to remember him today.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Insider opened its final show of 2025 with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis trading holiday music favorites, swapping memories and easing listeners into a wide look at the winter ahead for EMU athletics. The tone was light, but the episode set up a full slate of news that closed a busy year.
Steiner started the show by calling it the last episode of 2025 and asked Davis for her top holiday song. She answered fast. "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus or a classic All I Want for Christmas is You," she said. She added that the Mariah Carey hit was a "non-skip song" for her. Steiner countered with older choices like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Then he added the novelty track Dominic the Christmas Donkey. The discussion shifted again when Davis claimed she knew every lyric to Baby It's Cold Outside.
The holiday talk turned to Davis' appearance the day before in downtown Detroit, where she dressed as a Christmas tree. "I made so many people's day," she said. "People took pictures of me. I said I wanted to spread the Christmas cheer." Steiner teased her by telling listeners she appeared as an evergreen "because that is what she does for people."
The show moved into football as Steiner outlined recent honors. Eastern Michigan landed three second team selections and three third team picks in the MAC postseason awards. He added that head coach Chris Creighton signed 37 new players on signing day. The class reached a top three ranking in the MAC at one point based on 247Sports evaluations. The coaches then hosted the 63rd annual team banquet, where running back Dontae McMillan earned team MVP and the James "Bingo" Brown Award as offensive MVP. "We will hear from Chris Creighton," Steiner said. "He will tell you why he brought so many people in."
Basketball followed. EMU women's basketball beat Defiance on Friday and now prepares for Duquesne on Education Day. Davis highlighted freshman guard Peyton Hill, who joined the show later. "She is the leading freshman in the MAC for scoring," Davis said. "She said, wow, I must be good or something." Davis called Hill humble and said she embraced the culture at Eastern Michigan. Hill is from St. Louis. Davis noted Hill was surprised by Michigan's winter. "I was a little shocked hearing that," Davis said.
The women's team faces Indiana on Dec. 14, then Ball State on Dec. 20. Conference play opens Dec. 30 against Bowling Green.
The men's program earned a Friday win over Cleary. It marked a return to the George Gervin GameAbove Center for EMU Hall of Famer Carl Thomas. "He had never been in this building in the visitor locker room," Steiner said. Road games at Purdue Fort Wayne, Akron and Wright State fill the schedule through late December. The men return home Dec. 30 to play UMass in the program's first MAC meeting with the Minutemen. "Isn't that kind of weird," Davis asked. Steiner said it was his first time seeing a new full member join the MAC during his tenure.
The show previewed gymnastics next. Davis expressed excitement for the first open practice on Dec. 15. "There are so many new people," she said. "Going from high school to college is a big jump." Steiner added that more sports return in January with track, swimming, tennis, golf, baseball and lacrosse.
The hosts closed the open by marking a milestone for WEMU. The station celebrated its 60th anniversary. "Now it is worldwide thanks to the internet," Steiner said. He congratulated the WEMU leadership team and called the station the flagship voice of EMU athletics.
Segment 1 - Peyton Hill
Peyton Hill walked into college basketball with modest expectations. Eight games into her first season, the Eastern Michigan freshman guard has become one of the program's most productive scorers. She credits the people around her.
"Opportunity from teammates and coaches," Hill said during an interview on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "I wasn't expecting to get the big jump I had. I'm grateful for the position I'm in."
Hill said daily structure and support helped her adjust. She pointed to a high school program in St. Louis that followed a college-style model. "I give kudos to my high school," she said. "It prepped me well."
Her early production backs that up. Hill became the first EMU freshman to score 10 or more in seven of her first eight games since the 2008 to 2009 season. She also leads all MAC freshmen in scoring.
"Thank God," she said. "It's a blessing to play and have fun while achieving these things. My support system helps me stay steady. Sometimes I don't even realize the history I'm making."
Hill said Eastern Michigan felt right the moment she arrived on her visit. "The family orientation here is amazing," she said. "The environment felt perfect. The coaches treated me the same way then as they do now."
That trust made a difference during her recruitment. She said Eastern's staff reached out only a week before she planned to choose another school. "It aligned," Hill said. "I felt at home. No uneasiness."
The roster features nine international players, a mix that brings steady energy to the locker room. "They teach you new things," Hill said. "Spanish, Greek, French. Our differences make us closer."
Veterans on the team set a clear tone. Hill said there is no hierarchy. "We treat it like player and player," she said. "We respect the seniors, but we focus on playing ball together."
Mental growth has become her main focus during practice. "Sometimes I get in my head," she said. "I've improved a lot since high school. I see growth in my mental."
Her family has traveled from Missouri to see her early games and plans to return for matchups later this month. One of those games stands out. Eastern Michigan plays Indiana, where Hill's former high school teammate now plays. "I'm not nervous," Hill said. "I'm there to play ball. We'll talk after."
Hill still remembers the moment basketball became her path. As a child, her parents signed her up for a YMCA team while she pursued dance through her mother's studio. During one of her first games, she knocked down a behind-the-back step-back jumper. "My dad said, you play basketball," she said, smiling. She stayed with both sports until high school, then committed fully to the court.
One of her favorite memories came in Kentucky. She hit a game winner against Sacred Heart. "It brought the confidence I needed," she said. "I found a new level."
She said she likes road games and the challenge that comes with them. "I'm a big fan of adversity," Hill said. "I feel like I play best against other people's odds. It fuels my fire."
As Eastern prepares for Duquesne, Hill kept her message to fans simple. "You'll see a good defensive game," she said. "High energy from start to finish."
Hill spoke with the calm and confidence of a player who found her place sooner than expected. Her teammates saw it. Her coaches saw it. Now the league sees it too.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
The early signing period brought a mix of pride and emotion for Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton. He spoke at length about a class built through long relationships, focused evaluations and conversations that stretched across states and borders.
This is a huge day, one weve been looking forward to for a long time, Creighton said during the interview. He noted some prospects committed more than a year ago, which made seeing their letters arrive feel like payoff for steady work.
The staff opened with offensive lineman Samuel Adjin from Canada. Creighton said Adjin impressed coaches during a summer camp and on his official visit. His father got to be a part of that with him, Creighton said. Theyre getting excited and so are we. Adjin will enroll in January.
Junior college additions shaped large portions of the class. Creighton highlighted defensive lineman Colby Archie from Kansas. He has an amazing ability to pass rush, he said. Creighton noted that while watching film with assistants, all three coaches used the same words about Archie. All three of us said twitch, he said. Two of the three of us said bend.
Receiver JT Beasley from Mississippi fits a different prototype. When he walks out there, corners are going to say they should have spent more time in the weight room, Creighton said. Hes wired the right way. Hes serious. Hes driven. He wants to be great.
Linebacker Kijon Braxton from Georgia drew attention for length and versatility. He brings his mom, whos an alum, Creighton joked. But he quickly turned to football traits. He is long and has a knack for the ball, he said. Creighton views Braxton as a player who could line up on or off the ball.
Another linebacker, Zach Brown, will arrive with a physical style. He plays with the violence you want linebackers to play with, Creighton said.
Defensive back Cayden Burger from Mississippi offers speed and coverage skills. When he gets out in space, its tough to catch him, Creighton said.
In New Jersey, linebacker Marty Collins held a signing ceremony that stood out. Its the best Ive seen in 35 years, Creighton said. Cowens missed most of his season with an injury, but the staff stayed committed. Thats how we do it, Creighton said.
A Kansas junior college pipeline added defensive lineman Mark Debiak. Creighton pointed out a personal connection uncovered only days earlier. Debiak played for a coach who once played for Creighton at Ottawa University. Life is good, Creighton said.
The class also includes several players competing for state titles this week, including offensive lineman Andrew Trahin and running back Nazir Jones-Davis. Running back Decorie Johnson from Orlando stood out as a bigger back with route running and receiving ability.
Creighton said many signees will enroll in January, which changes preparation timelines. Those guys will have winter conditioning, spring ball and the full summer, he said.
The day carried heavier emotions as well. Creighton closed by honoring Elijah Berman, a recruit who died during the summer. We wanted to remember and honor him, Creighton said. He contacted Bermans mother and included him in the class. We miss him, Creighton said. We wish things were different. But we want to remember him today.
Season 8 - Episode 16: Peyton Hill Talks Debut, Creighton Recaps Signing Day
Tuesday, December 09
Oliwia Pelka Career-High 15 Point Performance Against Defiance
Monday, December 08
Sahar Nusseibeh Postgame Interview vs. Defiance
Saturday, December 06
Postgame Interview: Stan Heath vs. Cleary
Saturday, December 06