Eastern Michigan Athletics
Two EMU Alumni Enshrined in The Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame
12/8/2025 10:33:00 AM | Women's Basketball, Football, General
Former student-athletes Laurie Byrd and Patrick McInnis recognized for their impact
More Information.
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Former Eastern Michigan University student-athletes Laurie Byrd and Patrick McInnis were inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center. The Class of 2025 added seven individuals and raised total membership to 325 individuals and 91 teams since the Hall opened in 1980.
The Hall began through the Bruin Club of Mott Community College in 1980. The group created a platform to honor athletic success and community impact throughout the Greater Flint area. The Hall continues to highlight leaders who shaped sports and service across the region.
Byrd earned her place through a record setting career. She starred in multiple sports at Hamady High School before joining Eastern Michigan from 1978-82. She scored 1,899 career points and set the program scoring record for both men and women. The mark stood until 2011. Eastern Michigan retired her jersey, the first time the program honored a women's basketball player in that way.
Byrd continued her impact after graduation. She played professionally for 16 years in Europe and the United States. She later moved into coaching roles and joined the Detroit Shock staff. She helped the team win a WNBA title in 2003. She added more experience with other WNBA teams and built a long record of player development.
McInnis earned recognition for his work as an athlete and a leader in the Flint community. He competed in multiple sports at Flint Powers Catholic High School. He went on to Eastern Michigan and joined the football program from 1985-87. His work after graduation strengthened community groups and projects across Flint.
McInnis supported the Greater Flint Boys and Girls Club. He backed major upgrades at Guy Houston Stadium and funded scholarships for students at several high schools. His career advanced quickly. He became President of Quicken Loans before age 40. He later served as CEO of Fathead in Detroit and also became a minority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Former Eastern Michigan University student-athletes Laurie Byrd and Patrick McInnis were inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center. The Class of 2025 added seven individuals and raised total membership to 325 individuals and 91 teams since the Hall opened in 1980.
The Hall began through the Bruin Club of Mott Community College in 1980. The group created a platform to honor athletic success and community impact throughout the Greater Flint area. The Hall continues to highlight leaders who shaped sports and service across the region.
Byrd earned her place through a record setting career. She starred in multiple sports at Hamady High School before joining Eastern Michigan from 1978-82. She scored 1,899 career points and set the program scoring record for both men and women. The mark stood until 2011. Eastern Michigan retired her jersey, the first time the program honored a women's basketball player in that way.
Byrd continued her impact after graduation. She played professionally for 16 years in Europe and the United States. She later moved into coaching roles and joined the Detroit Shock staff. She helped the team win a WNBA title in 2003. She added more experience with other WNBA teams and built a long record of player development.
McInnis earned recognition for his work as an athlete and a leader in the Flint community. He competed in multiple sports at Flint Powers Catholic High School. He went on to Eastern Michigan and joined the football program from 1985-87. His work after graduation strengthened community groups and projects across Flint.
McInnis supported the Greater Flint Boys and Girls Club. He backed major upgrades at Guy Houston Stadium and funded scholarships for students at several high schools. His career advanced quickly. He became President of Quicken Loans before age 40. He later served as CEO of Fathead in Detroit and also became a minority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
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