Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 23
3/2/2026 5:10:00 PM | Baseball, Men's Basketball, General
Pitching, Leadership, and Life Lessons
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- March is in full swing, and the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE opened Episode 23 of Season 8 with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis capturing the excitement. "There's no better time than the month of March," Steiner said, noting the return of March Madness, EMU baseball, lacrosse, spring football practice, and The Masters. Davis added, "It's going to be 60 degrees, Greg. I think you know exactly what you're missing there." The conversation quickly turned festive. "Are you ready? St. Patrick's Day. And what's the day after St. Patrick's Day?" Steiner asked. Davis answered, "No, my birthday, which is way more important than March Madness."
The hosts shifted to EMU athletics, opening with gymnastics. Davis highlighted the senior day performances. "Priya Karle matched her career best and topped her season best 9.85 on the floor. Kyrie Lowe matched her career best 39.1 all-around score. It was your last home meet, four years in, and you excel on your events." Steiner noted the narrow defeat at the hands of Western Michigan. "We did lose to Western by a lot, a great score of 0.075. That's what hurts, those close decimals," he said.
Other programs also had mixed results. Swimming and diving finished sixth at the MAC championships in Akron, men's indoor track finished third, and women's track placed eighth. EMU women's basketball fell on the road to Northern Illinois, 70-61, ending their MAC tournament hopes. Steiner said, "NIU played very well in the first half and then played keep away the rest of the way." The men's basketball team remained in contention. "EMU could get as high as the seven seed," Davis explained, detailing scenarios involving Central Michigan, Buffalo, UMass, Ball State, and Western Michigan. "It all comes down to Eastern winning. If they don't go 2-0 this week, it's all for Knox."
Steiner and Davis also previewed the upcoming basketball senior days. "EMU Women's Basketball hosts Senior Day Wednesday, and EMU Men's Basketball on Friday. Big nights for them after tremendous weeks last week against Miami," Steiner said.
Interviews highlighted in the episode included a conversation between Davis and EMU Director of Operations for Men's Basketball Carlos McMath, discussing his transition from student-athlete to operations and his law degree from Michigan State University. Steiner spoke with senior pitcher Ethan Davis ahead of EMU's midweek game against Notre Dame and the weekend conference opener against defending MAAC Tournament champions Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. "Should be great weather, mid-60s down in Oxford, and then home play next week against Michigan State," Steiner said.
Segment 1 - Ethan Davis
Ethan Davis learned fast during a season filled with change. New faces filled the Eastern Michigan pitching staff last spring. Roles shifted. Pressure followed. The senior right-hander said the group found strength through shared adversity and growing belief.
"I think we, you know, just getting together, you know, we faced some adversity on the pitching staff," Davis said. "But then, you know, just staying together through that adversity, it helped us a lot."
Eastern relied on consistency at the front end of the rotation while younger arms adjusted behind them. Davis pointed to stability on Fridays and Saturdays as a key factor.
"Getting a good start from your Friday and Saturday guy helped us a lot, especially on the bullpen side," Davis said. "And then, you know, Craig Prince and just being able to trust us to go out there, especially out of the bullpen, I think it helped us a lot to get through and then make it to that MAC tournament."
Confidence grew as the season progressed. Davis said belief changed everything.
"A lot of it is believing you can do it," Davis said. "And I think by the end of the year, you kind of started seeing and feeling that belief."
Facing Mid-American Conference hitters brought a new challenge. Davis quickly learned the league rewards aggressive offense.
"It's a hitter league for sure," Davis said.
Daily work against Eastern's lineup sharpened preparation.
"Being able to face guys right here in the bubble, like Devan Zirwas, Ty Steko and Leewood Molessa," Davis said. "Those guys are some of the best hitters in the league. We're seeing them every single day."
Another adjustment arrives this season with new catchers behind the plate. Building chemistry stands at the top of the priority list.
"It's the most important thing to build that relationship," Davis said. "Being able to trust them and they trust you. Being able to hit a spot. They being able to call the pitches. I think that's one of the biggest things."
The coaching staff also shifted. Pitching coach Craig Prince departed for professional baseball. Interim head coach Trevor Beerman took a more hands-on role with the staff.
"It's amazing," Davis said. "Him being over there, he's helped out a lot. Minor tweaks with this or that. He's watching bullpens, watching every live. He gives good advice."
One moment from last season still stands out. Davis helped secure a road win at Michigan, a turning point for confidence.
"That was a big one," Davis said. "Getting that win on the road and then carrying that into MAC helped me confidence-wise."
A similar situation followed during the MAC tournament.
"Bases loaded, two outs," Davis said. "Didn't let the nerves get to me."
Davis prepares for multiple roles again this season, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen. Each role requires a different mindset.
"Two different mentalities," Davis said. "Overall, having the mentality you want the ball and you want to win for these guys."
Efficiency remains a focus. Davis credits simple principles.
"First pitch strikes, race to two," Davis said. "Those are the biggest things. Get in the dugout as quickly as possible."
As the season opens, Davis believes pitching holds an early edge during cold-weather games.
"Pitchers know what they're throwing," Davis said. "Not being outside much tests hitters, too."
Success, Davis said, depends on response.
"Stay competitive through adversity," Davis said. "Trust the process. First pitch strikes. Get in, get out quick."
Segment 2 - Carol McMath
Carlos McMath has a voice that carries authority, but it's his perspective that makes him stand out. As Eastern Michigan University's Assistant Coach/Director of Operations for Men's Basketball, McMath draws on a unique journey spanning football, basketball, law, and coaching. On the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE, he told Elena Davis how those experiences shape the way he leads.
"I played football at Wayne State. Being a college athlete, no matter what you do, everything translates over from sports," McMath said. He grew up in a basketball family, but after a conversation with his uncle, whom he also calls his father, he shifted to football. "There's no 5-foot-10 centers in the NBA. How about you focus on just hitting people?" That decision earned him a scholarship and set the tone for how he approaches competition and leadership.
McMath applies lessons from multiple sports to coaching basketball. "For leadership purposes, the best thing is understanding that you have to meet people where they are. Playing multiple sports, you understand there are so many different walks of life," he said. "As a coach, you understand that when they leave, they are individuals. You have to find a way to meet them where they're at. You may not have the same thought patterns or upbringing, but you have one common goal. That's to win."
Preparation remains central to McMath's philosophy. "Low man wins. You have to compete at a high level. You have to work hard," he said. He emphasizes attention to detail and focus possession by possession, whether on the football field or the basketball court. That focus also guides his approach to connecting with a roster that changes frequently. "At this level, you invest in guys over the summertime, through the recruiting process. You try to know them, their parents, their lifestyle, and hobbies. You get a chance to meet them where they're at," he said.
One of those players is his nephew, Gregory Lawson. McMath admits that coaching family adds pressure but also opportunity. "Truthfully, it comes with a lot of pressure internally with the family. But on the other side, it's fun. I wasn't there 24/7 while he was being raised. As a young man, I'm prouder of him." McMath focuses on shaping Lawson's character as well as his athletic development. "Ultimately, basketball is great, but I want to make sure he's a great young man. He represents our last name with respect and integrity."
McMath's path to coaching also included law school at Michigan State and work in a prosecutor's office. "Everything I learned in law school and the legal field, you have to do detailed work and communicate across barriers. That applies directly to coaching," he said.
He offers a message for student-athletes thinking beyond the court. "Invest in yourself. Figure out your goals, map it out, and when the map gets destroyed, remap it again. I coach basketball, but I'm in the business of building relationships. That's what I do."
For McMath, coaching is more than wins and losses. It's a blend of mentorship, preparation, and personal growth, drawing from every chapter of his life. "I love being here," he said.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- March is in full swing, and the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE opened Episode 23 of Season 8 with hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis capturing the excitement. "There's no better time than the month of March," Steiner said, noting the return of March Madness, EMU baseball, lacrosse, spring football practice, and The Masters. Davis added, "It's going to be 60 degrees, Greg. I think you know exactly what you're missing there." The conversation quickly turned festive. "Are you ready? St. Patrick's Day. And what's the day after St. Patrick's Day?" Steiner asked. Davis answered, "No, my birthday, which is way more important than March Madness."
The hosts shifted to EMU athletics, opening with gymnastics. Davis highlighted the senior day performances. "Priya Karle matched her career best and topped her season best 9.85 on the floor. Kyrie Lowe matched her career best 39.1 all-around score. It was your last home meet, four years in, and you excel on your events." Steiner noted the narrow defeat at the hands of Western Michigan. "We did lose to Western by a lot, a great score of 0.075. That's what hurts, those close decimals," he said.
Other programs also had mixed results. Swimming and diving finished sixth at the MAC championships in Akron, men's indoor track finished third, and women's track placed eighth. EMU women's basketball fell on the road to Northern Illinois, 70-61, ending their MAC tournament hopes. Steiner said, "NIU played very well in the first half and then played keep away the rest of the way." The men's basketball team remained in contention. "EMU could get as high as the seven seed," Davis explained, detailing scenarios involving Central Michigan, Buffalo, UMass, Ball State, and Western Michigan. "It all comes down to Eastern winning. If they don't go 2-0 this week, it's all for Knox."
Steiner and Davis also previewed the upcoming basketball senior days. "EMU Women's Basketball hosts Senior Day Wednesday, and EMU Men's Basketball on Friday. Big nights for them after tremendous weeks last week against Miami," Steiner said.
Interviews highlighted in the episode included a conversation between Davis and EMU Director of Operations for Men's Basketball Carlos McMath, discussing his transition from student-athlete to operations and his law degree from Michigan State University. Steiner spoke with senior pitcher Ethan Davis ahead of EMU's midweek game against Notre Dame and the weekend conference opener against defending MAAC Tournament champions Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. "Should be great weather, mid-60s down in Oxford, and then home play next week against Michigan State," Steiner said.
Segment 1 - Ethan Davis
Ethan Davis learned fast during a season filled with change. New faces filled the Eastern Michigan pitching staff last spring. Roles shifted. Pressure followed. The senior right-hander said the group found strength through shared adversity and growing belief.
"I think we, you know, just getting together, you know, we faced some adversity on the pitching staff," Davis said. "But then, you know, just staying together through that adversity, it helped us a lot."
Eastern relied on consistency at the front end of the rotation while younger arms adjusted behind them. Davis pointed to stability on Fridays and Saturdays as a key factor.
"Getting a good start from your Friday and Saturday guy helped us a lot, especially on the bullpen side," Davis said. "And then, you know, Craig Prince and just being able to trust us to go out there, especially out of the bullpen, I think it helped us a lot to get through and then make it to that MAC tournament."
Confidence grew as the season progressed. Davis said belief changed everything.
"A lot of it is believing you can do it," Davis said. "And I think by the end of the year, you kind of started seeing and feeling that belief."
Facing Mid-American Conference hitters brought a new challenge. Davis quickly learned the league rewards aggressive offense.
"It's a hitter league for sure," Davis said.
Daily work against Eastern's lineup sharpened preparation.
"Being able to face guys right here in the bubble, like Devan Zirwas, Ty Steko and Leewood Molessa," Davis said. "Those guys are some of the best hitters in the league. We're seeing them every single day."
Another adjustment arrives this season with new catchers behind the plate. Building chemistry stands at the top of the priority list.
"It's the most important thing to build that relationship," Davis said. "Being able to trust them and they trust you. Being able to hit a spot. They being able to call the pitches. I think that's one of the biggest things."
The coaching staff also shifted. Pitching coach Craig Prince departed for professional baseball. Interim head coach Trevor Beerman took a more hands-on role with the staff.
"It's amazing," Davis said. "Him being over there, he's helped out a lot. Minor tweaks with this or that. He's watching bullpens, watching every live. He gives good advice."
One moment from last season still stands out. Davis helped secure a road win at Michigan, a turning point for confidence.
"That was a big one," Davis said. "Getting that win on the road and then carrying that into MAC helped me confidence-wise."
A similar situation followed during the MAC tournament.
"Bases loaded, two outs," Davis said. "Didn't let the nerves get to me."
Davis prepares for multiple roles again this season, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen. Each role requires a different mindset.
"Two different mentalities," Davis said. "Overall, having the mentality you want the ball and you want to win for these guys."
Efficiency remains a focus. Davis credits simple principles.
"First pitch strikes, race to two," Davis said. "Those are the biggest things. Get in the dugout as quickly as possible."
As the season opens, Davis believes pitching holds an early edge during cold-weather games.
"Pitchers know what they're throwing," Davis said. "Not being outside much tests hitters, too."
Success, Davis said, depends on response.
"Stay competitive through adversity," Davis said. "Trust the process. First pitch strikes. Get in, get out quick."
Segment 2 - Carol McMath
Carlos McMath has a voice that carries authority, but it's his perspective that makes him stand out. As Eastern Michigan University's Assistant Coach/Director of Operations for Men's Basketball, McMath draws on a unique journey spanning football, basketball, law, and coaching. On the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE, he told Elena Davis how those experiences shape the way he leads.
"I played football at Wayne State. Being a college athlete, no matter what you do, everything translates over from sports," McMath said. He grew up in a basketball family, but after a conversation with his uncle, whom he also calls his father, he shifted to football. "There's no 5-foot-10 centers in the NBA. How about you focus on just hitting people?" That decision earned him a scholarship and set the tone for how he approaches competition and leadership.
McMath applies lessons from multiple sports to coaching basketball. "For leadership purposes, the best thing is understanding that you have to meet people where they are. Playing multiple sports, you understand there are so many different walks of life," he said. "As a coach, you understand that when they leave, they are individuals. You have to find a way to meet them where they're at. You may not have the same thought patterns or upbringing, but you have one common goal. That's to win."
Preparation remains central to McMath's philosophy. "Low man wins. You have to compete at a high level. You have to work hard," he said. He emphasizes attention to detail and focus possession by possession, whether on the football field or the basketball court. That focus also guides his approach to connecting with a roster that changes frequently. "At this level, you invest in guys over the summertime, through the recruiting process. You try to know them, their parents, their lifestyle, and hobbies. You get a chance to meet them where they're at," he said.
One of those players is his nephew, Gregory Lawson. McMath admits that coaching family adds pressure but also opportunity. "Truthfully, it comes with a lot of pressure internally with the family. But on the other side, it's fun. I wasn't there 24/7 while he was being raised. As a young man, I'm prouder of him." McMath focuses on shaping Lawson's character as well as his athletic development. "Ultimately, basketball is great, but I want to make sure he's a great young man. He represents our last name with respect and integrity."
McMath's path to coaching also included law school at Michigan State and work in a prosecutor's office. "Everything I learned in law school and the legal field, you have to do detailed work and communicate across barriers. That applies directly to coaching," he said.
He offers a message for student-athletes thinking beyond the court. "Invest in yourself. Figure out your goals, map it out, and when the map gets destroyed, remap it again. I coach basketball, but I'm in the business of building relationships. That's what I do."
For McMath, coaching is more than wins and losses. It's a blend of mentorship, preparation, and personal growth, drawing from every chapter of his life. "I love being here," he said.
Players Mentioned
Querido Baloncesto, 𝓐𝓲𝓷𝓱𝓸𝓪 𝓒𝓮𝓪⛹️♀️
Tuesday, March 03
Season 8 – Episode 23: Pitching, Leadership, and Life Lessons
Monday, March 02
Dear Basketball, 𝓐𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓼 𝓚𝓸𝓾𝓴𝓲🏀
Monday, March 02
Snag a T, then snag your seats! EMU Baseball opens their home season on March 11!
Friday, February 27