Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 18
1/19/2026 5:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, General
Purpose, Performances Drive Kyrie Lowe, Stan Heath Spotlight
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan Athletics opened a Martin Luther King Jr. Day edition of the Eastern Insider Podcast by tying the week ahead to reflection, competition, and momentum across campus.
"Today, we remember and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King," Greg Steiner said as the show began, pointing toward Tuesday night's EMU women's basketball game against Toledo, which will honor King and the Eastern Michigan community. The conversation set a tone rooted in purpose, quickly shifting to a full slate of athletic storylines.
The episode arrived alongside the college football national championship, a rare matchup featuring unfamiliar finalists. Elena Davis leaned fully into her pick. "Hoosiers all the way," Davis said. "I don't think it will be a close game. I think it will be a blowout and the Hoosiers will win." Her reasoning stayed simple. "Indiana offense, great. And that's what gets points last time I checked."
Davis said the appeal stretched beyond allegiance. "I like the originality of it and just having a new couple of new teams playing," she said. "Overall, a good game."
From there, focus returned to Ypsilanti. EMU men's basketball came off a road loss at Bowling Green after erasing a 21-point deficit. Steiner framed the segment around perspective rather than result, noting postgame comments from Stan Heath would follow later in the show.
On the women's side, milestones took center stage. Sisi Eleko reached 1,500 career points against Central Michigan, a bright moment ahead of a challenging matchup with Toledo. Davis previewed her conversation with the Rockets' head coach earlier in the day. "She was the best to talk to," Davis said. "When she started showing a little bit more personality, I was like, oh, I'm going to match her energy."
Saturday brings a packed doubleheader at the George Gervin Center with added themes and attractions. Mental health appreciation, Dribble for the Cure, and Frisbee dogs highlight the afternoon.
"You want to come out, bring the entire family," Steiner said, outlining a 1 p.m. women's tip against Northern Illinois followed by the men facing Kent State.
Davis reacted with curiosity and humor. "What are they going to do, tricks and stuff?" she asked about the dogs. "That's fun."
Beyond basketball, the schedule stretches across campus. Swimming and diving hosts Ball State. Track and field welcomes the Bob Parks Memorial. Gymnastics heads west after opening 2-0 with wins over NIU and SUNY Brockport.
Davis recently spoke with senior Kyrie Lowe, fresh off an all around victory. "She was great to talk to," Davis said. "She's never been to Colorado before." Lowe also reacted with surprise upon learning competition time back east. "She goes, no, I did not know that," Davis recalled.
The episode closed by returning to the meaning of the day. A campus march, a presidential luncheon, and game day recognitions all tied back to King's legacy. "So much in store this week," Steiner said, as the podcast transitioned toward interviews and highlights still ahead.
Segment 1 - Kyrie Lowe
Senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe stands at the center of Eastern Michigan's early season surge, pairing steady all around performances with leadership shaped across four seasons. A 3-0 start and two Mid-American Conference wins placed the Eagles on firm footing, while Lowe's presence anchored rotations and energy inside the arena.
"Honestly, it was great," Lowe said after the home opener. "I love being home, just the atmosphere, being with the whole team. I love competing at home. I think it's so much fun."
Home meets look different for Lowe, a Florida native who traded warmth for Midwest winters. Asked about January conditions, her answer came fast. "I'm cold. It's freezing," she said. "It is freezing."
Lowe approaches competition without ritual or routine built on superstition. Preparation stays simple and personal. "I really try not to have superstitions," she said. "One thing is, I always need the house clean before I leave. So I normally clean my apartment the day before."
As one of the few all-around competitors on the roster, Lowe balances four events with calm intent. Confidence shifts from meet to meet, yet her approach stays grounded. "I try to pretend that every competition is practice so that I feel more relaxed going in," she said. "I really like doing all the events. I think it's so much fun."
Eastern competes within its own space during tri meets, a focus reinforced byHead Coach Katie Minasola. "Katie, our coach, doesn't let us really look at the other teams," Lowe said. "So, we are focused on only our team, which is really nice."
Bars rank first among favorites, followed closely by beam. The feeling after a clean routine stays unmatched. "It's so exciting," Lowe said. "Katie's jumping up and down, then you high-five all of your teammates. Then we do our little chant. One, two, EMU."
Leadership arrived naturally during her senior year. Communication forms the foundation. "It's so easy with our team," she said. "We're very communicative on asking each other our needs. One of my goals as a senior leader is trying to be there for my team in any way possible."
Guidance for younger gymnasts reflects lessons learned early. "Being patient with your gymnastics," Lowe said. "Having communication with the coaches. Knowing gymnastics is one step at a time."
Eastern emerged as the right fit during recruiting through connection and opportunity. "As soon as I came on campus, I felt so welcomed," Lowe said. "We're such a family on this team. Interior design is my major, and they have a great program here."
Design extends beyond the classroom. Lowe helped shape the team's new leotards, drawing inspiration alongside teammates and coaches. "I designed the front of it," she said. "Katie showed us the back of a wedding dress with a corset. That's where the back came from. I absolutely love it. It's so sparkly."
Academically, Lowe thrives through creative work. "When you find something that you love, it doesn't feel like a job," she said. "My classes feel easier because I love them."
Looking ahead, travel brings new experiences, including a first trip to Colorado. Reflection pulls Lowe back to relationships built in Ypsilanti. "I absolutely love all the people I've met here," she said. "Getting to do this every day with my teammates, having each other's backs. It's definitely all of the people here."
Through competition, design, and leadership, Lowe's final season continues to reflect growth shaped by consistency, connection, and joy inside the gym.
Segment 2 - Stan Heath
Eastern Michigan men's basketball left Bowling Green with a loss on the scoreboard but signs of progress in the locker room, as Head Coach Stan Heath pointed to growth, resilience, and emerging contributors following an 85-79 setback at the Stroh Center.
Eastern trailed by double figures at halftime, then watched Bowling Green push the margin to 21 early in the second half. Rather than unravel, the Eagles responded with their strongest stretch of the game, erasing the deficit and briefly taking the lead.
"I think it showed a lot of character in our guys," Heath said. "Being down 20, that's a lot. But we just kept stretching and clawing. We got momentum back on our side and were able to take a lead as well."
The rally came with Eastern shorthanded, still adjusting to the absence of Carlos Hart. Heath credited Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison for filling the void, as both finished with 22 points.
"Some guys really stepped up," Heath said. "I was really proud of that. Both Braylon and Mehki really had big games for us."
Ellison's performance carried added weight given his role entering the game. "Especially Mehki, a guy who hadn't played a lot," Heath said. "He really stepped up in a big way."
Green's effort extended beyond the box score. Known primarily for his defense, he delivered on both ends before fatigue set in late.
"It probably just wore them down a little bit," Heath said. "Down the stretch when we really needed to keep things going, it just appeared as we ran out of a little bit of gas."
Despite the comeback, Bowling Green regained control behind efficient perimeter shooting. The Falcons hit 69 percent from three-point range, a rare slip for an Eastern defense that has ranked among the league's best.
"Unfortunately, we let BG get the 52 percent, 69 percent from three, which is a whole lot," Heath said.
The damage came early, before Eastern adjusted after halftime. Heath pointed to lineup changes and limited preparation time as contributing factors.
"We're searching for another fifth starter," Heath said. "Missing a guy like that with some size and understanding helped us. It was such a short turnaround to really dial into all the things we need to do."
Late execution proved decisive. Eastern struggled to close possessions and settle into preferred offensive looks.
"We've got to learn how to win," Heath said. "There's going to be a lot of games that are close towards the end. We've got to learn how to get the stops, get the rebounds, get the coverage we want."
The Eagles now turn toward a timely break before hosting Kent State. Heath welcomed the pause as a chance to reset.
"It's the perfect time for us," he said. "It'll allow us to really hone in on things we need to do to get better."
Preparation will focus on interior defense against a physical Golden Flashes front line.
"They're strong inside," Heath said. "Guys like Big John are going to have to be ready to go for us."
Eastern returns to Ypsilanti next Saturday with lessons learned, confidence gained, and a clearer picture of how close effort and execution remain.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan Athletics opened a Martin Luther King Jr. Day edition of the Eastern Insider Podcast by tying the week ahead to reflection, competition, and momentum across campus.
"Today, we remember and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King," Greg Steiner said as the show began, pointing toward Tuesday night's EMU women's basketball game against Toledo, which will honor King and the Eastern Michigan community. The conversation set a tone rooted in purpose, quickly shifting to a full slate of athletic storylines.
The episode arrived alongside the college football national championship, a rare matchup featuring unfamiliar finalists. Elena Davis leaned fully into her pick. "Hoosiers all the way," Davis said. "I don't think it will be a close game. I think it will be a blowout and the Hoosiers will win." Her reasoning stayed simple. "Indiana offense, great. And that's what gets points last time I checked."
Davis said the appeal stretched beyond allegiance. "I like the originality of it and just having a new couple of new teams playing," she said. "Overall, a good game."
From there, focus returned to Ypsilanti. EMU men's basketball came off a road loss at Bowling Green after erasing a 21-point deficit. Steiner framed the segment around perspective rather than result, noting postgame comments from Stan Heath would follow later in the show.
On the women's side, milestones took center stage. Sisi Eleko reached 1,500 career points against Central Michigan, a bright moment ahead of a challenging matchup with Toledo. Davis previewed her conversation with the Rockets' head coach earlier in the day. "She was the best to talk to," Davis said. "When she started showing a little bit more personality, I was like, oh, I'm going to match her energy."
Saturday brings a packed doubleheader at the George Gervin Center with added themes and attractions. Mental health appreciation, Dribble for the Cure, and Frisbee dogs highlight the afternoon.
"You want to come out, bring the entire family," Steiner said, outlining a 1 p.m. women's tip against Northern Illinois followed by the men facing Kent State.
Davis reacted with curiosity and humor. "What are they going to do, tricks and stuff?" she asked about the dogs. "That's fun."
Beyond basketball, the schedule stretches across campus. Swimming and diving hosts Ball State. Track and field welcomes the Bob Parks Memorial. Gymnastics heads west after opening 2-0 with wins over NIU and SUNY Brockport.
Davis recently spoke with senior Kyrie Lowe, fresh off an all around victory. "She was great to talk to," Davis said. "She's never been to Colorado before." Lowe also reacted with surprise upon learning competition time back east. "She goes, no, I did not know that," Davis recalled.
The episode closed by returning to the meaning of the day. A campus march, a presidential luncheon, and game day recognitions all tied back to King's legacy. "So much in store this week," Steiner said, as the podcast transitioned toward interviews and highlights still ahead.
Segment 1 - Kyrie Lowe
Senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe stands at the center of Eastern Michigan's early season surge, pairing steady all around performances with leadership shaped across four seasons. A 3-0 start and two Mid-American Conference wins placed the Eagles on firm footing, while Lowe's presence anchored rotations and energy inside the arena.
"Honestly, it was great," Lowe said after the home opener. "I love being home, just the atmosphere, being with the whole team. I love competing at home. I think it's so much fun."
Home meets look different for Lowe, a Florida native who traded warmth for Midwest winters. Asked about January conditions, her answer came fast. "I'm cold. It's freezing," she said. "It is freezing."
Lowe approaches competition without ritual or routine built on superstition. Preparation stays simple and personal. "I really try not to have superstitions," she said. "One thing is, I always need the house clean before I leave. So I normally clean my apartment the day before."
As one of the few all-around competitors on the roster, Lowe balances four events with calm intent. Confidence shifts from meet to meet, yet her approach stays grounded. "I try to pretend that every competition is practice so that I feel more relaxed going in," she said. "I really like doing all the events. I think it's so much fun."
Eastern competes within its own space during tri meets, a focus reinforced byHead Coach Katie Minasola. "Katie, our coach, doesn't let us really look at the other teams," Lowe said. "So, we are focused on only our team, which is really nice."
Bars rank first among favorites, followed closely by beam. The feeling after a clean routine stays unmatched. "It's so exciting," Lowe said. "Katie's jumping up and down, then you high-five all of your teammates. Then we do our little chant. One, two, EMU."
Leadership arrived naturally during her senior year. Communication forms the foundation. "It's so easy with our team," she said. "We're very communicative on asking each other our needs. One of my goals as a senior leader is trying to be there for my team in any way possible."
Guidance for younger gymnasts reflects lessons learned early. "Being patient with your gymnastics," Lowe said. "Having communication with the coaches. Knowing gymnastics is one step at a time."
Eastern emerged as the right fit during recruiting through connection and opportunity. "As soon as I came on campus, I felt so welcomed," Lowe said. "We're such a family on this team. Interior design is my major, and they have a great program here."
Design extends beyond the classroom. Lowe helped shape the team's new leotards, drawing inspiration alongside teammates and coaches. "I designed the front of it," she said. "Katie showed us the back of a wedding dress with a corset. That's where the back came from. I absolutely love it. It's so sparkly."
Academically, Lowe thrives through creative work. "When you find something that you love, it doesn't feel like a job," she said. "My classes feel easier because I love them."
Looking ahead, travel brings new experiences, including a first trip to Colorado. Reflection pulls Lowe back to relationships built in Ypsilanti. "I absolutely love all the people I've met here," she said. "Getting to do this every day with my teammates, having each other's backs. It's definitely all of the people here."
Through competition, design, and leadership, Lowe's final season continues to reflect growth shaped by consistency, connection, and joy inside the gym.
Segment 2 - Stan Heath
Eastern Michigan men's basketball left Bowling Green with a loss on the scoreboard but signs of progress in the locker room, as Head Coach Stan Heath pointed to growth, resilience, and emerging contributors following an 85-79 setback at the Stroh Center.
Eastern trailed by double figures at halftime, then watched Bowling Green push the margin to 21 early in the second half. Rather than unravel, the Eagles responded with their strongest stretch of the game, erasing the deficit and briefly taking the lead.
"I think it showed a lot of character in our guys," Heath said. "Being down 20, that's a lot. But we just kept stretching and clawing. We got momentum back on our side and were able to take a lead as well."
The rally came with Eastern shorthanded, still adjusting to the absence of Carlos Hart. Heath credited Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison for filling the void, as both finished with 22 points.
"Some guys really stepped up," Heath said. "I was really proud of that. Both Braylon and Mehki really had big games for us."
Ellison's performance carried added weight given his role entering the game. "Especially Mehki, a guy who hadn't played a lot," Heath said. "He really stepped up in a big way."
Green's effort extended beyond the box score. Known primarily for his defense, he delivered on both ends before fatigue set in late.
"It probably just wore them down a little bit," Heath said. "Down the stretch when we really needed to keep things going, it just appeared as we ran out of a little bit of gas."
Despite the comeback, Bowling Green regained control behind efficient perimeter shooting. The Falcons hit 69 percent from three-point range, a rare slip for an Eastern defense that has ranked among the league's best.
"Unfortunately, we let BG get the 52 percent, 69 percent from three, which is a whole lot," Heath said.
The damage came early, before Eastern adjusted after halftime. Heath pointed to lineup changes and limited preparation time as contributing factors.
"We're searching for another fifth starter," Heath said. "Missing a guy like that with some size and understanding helped us. It was such a short turnaround to really dial into all the things we need to do."
Late execution proved decisive. Eastern struggled to close possessions and settle into preferred offensive looks.
"We've got to learn how to win," Heath said. "There's going to be a lot of games that are close towards the end. We've got to learn how to get the stops, get the rebounds, get the coverage we want."
The Eagles now turn toward a timely break before hosting Kent State. Heath welcomed the pause as a chance to reset.
"It's the perfect time for us," he said. "It'll allow us to really hone in on things we need to do to get better."
Preparation will focus on interior defense against a physical Golden Flashes front line.
"They're strong inside," Heath said. "Guys like Big John are going to have to be ready to go for us."
Eastern returns to Ypsilanti next Saturday with lessons learned, confidence gained, and a clearer picture of how close effort and execution remain.
Players Mentioned
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/ GymnasticsSeason 8 - Episode 18: Purpose, Performances Drive Kyrie Lowe, Stan Heath Spotlight
Monday, January 19
EMU Tennis Highlights: Eagle Down Cleveland State, 6-1
Saturday, January 17
Sisi Eleko 1,500 Points Highlight
Saturday, January 17
Ainhoa Cea Midseason Highlights
Friday, January 16