Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast – Season 8, Episode 30
4/21/2026 9:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing, General
Ypsis Celebrate a Decade, Lauth Leads Rowing Momentum
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — A week that blends celebration, competition, and reflection set the tone across Eastern Michigan athletics, as the calendar turns toward the end of the academic year. The return of the Ypsi's Awards, spring competition across multiple programs, and a look ahead to postseason play all placed EMU at the center of a busy stretch.
Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE with that balance in mind, moving between the excitement of the moment and the reality of a season nearing its close.
"It's the 10th annual one, Greg, a decade," Davis said.
The Ypsi's headline the week, bringing together student-athletes from across programs to celebrate the year that was, with awards recognizing individual and team success across Eastern Michigan athletics.
"I love the Eagle Cup award," Steiner said. "I love seeing them being so competitive with community points."
That competitive edge carried into the weekend, where baseball opened its series against Western Michigan with a milestone win, marking the program's 100th all-time victory over the Broncos. While the rest of the series did not go EMU's way, the Eagles now turn their focus to a road trip to Northern Illinois to close out conference play.
Spring football also added to the week, as the annual spring game gave fans a first look at the team in a game setting, even in a controlled format.
"Some of you are going to say, well it wasn't really a football game," Steiner said. "But what spring game is anymore at this point?"
On the lacrosse field, Eastern delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, pulling away from Robert Morris in the second half to secure a spot in the MAAC Tournament.
"They clenched to go into the MAAC tournament, Greg," Davis said.
Elsewhere, women's tennis wrapped up its regular season, while both men's and women's golf prepare for key events, including the upcoming Mid-American Conference Championship, where EMU enters as a contender.
Segment 1 – Abbi Lauth
The week also brings attention to rowing, with the Ford Lake Cup ahead and the program continuing to build momentum. Davis sat down with junior Abbi Lauth, who has become a key part of that progress, both on and off the water.
"Racing at home is definitely a lot more exciting," Lauth said. "You always have the home advantage… there's nothing to worry about."
For Lauth, that comfort at home reflects a larger shift within the program, one that has seen growth in both performance and opportunity. Hosting major events, including the upcoming MAC Championships, marks another step forward.
"It's really exciting that we're able to host a big event," Lauth said.
Her journey to Eastern Michigan was shaped by relationships and fit, as she found a program that valued her beyond performance alone.
"They really got to know me and cared about things I did outside of rowing," Lauth said.
That environment has helped fuel her development, as Lauth continues to climb the program's record boards while leaning on a strong support system within the team.
"I have a super good support system," Lauth said. "My best friends are there."
As the episode continued, the conversation shifted toward reflection, with both hosts looking back on a year filled with stories, growth, and connection.
"I truly love every single person I've talked to," Davis said.
That reflection sets the stage for what comes next.
The episode features Lauth's conversation as the primary interview, centered around the Ford Lake Cup and the continued rise of the rowing program.
Segment 2
Segment two, however, takes a different turn.
"It will change some things that we're talking about moving forward," Steiner said.
The details remain under wraps, leaving listeners with one clear takeaway, this is a segment you will need to hear for yourself.
The result is an episode that captures the full scope of college athletics in the spring. A night of celebration. A push toward postseason play. A moment of reflection, with something new still on the horizon.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — A week that blends celebration, competition, and reflection set the tone across Eastern Michigan athletics, as the calendar turns toward the end of the academic year. The return of the Ypsi's Awards, spring competition across multiple programs, and a look ahead to postseason play all placed EMU at the center of a busy stretch.
Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE with that balance in mind, moving between the excitement of the moment and the reality of a season nearing its close.
"It's the 10th annual one, Greg, a decade," Davis said.
The Ypsi's headline the week, bringing together student-athletes from across programs to celebrate the year that was, with awards recognizing individual and team success across Eastern Michigan athletics.
"I love the Eagle Cup award," Steiner said. "I love seeing them being so competitive with community points."
That competitive edge carried into the weekend, where baseball opened its series against Western Michigan with a milestone win, marking the program's 100th all-time victory over the Broncos. While the rest of the series did not go EMU's way, the Eagles now turn their focus to a road trip to Northern Illinois to close out conference play.
Spring football also added to the week, as the annual spring game gave fans a first look at the team in a game setting, even in a controlled format.
"Some of you are going to say, well it wasn't really a football game," Steiner said. "But what spring game is anymore at this point?"
On the lacrosse field, Eastern delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, pulling away from Robert Morris in the second half to secure a spot in the MAAC Tournament.
"They clenched to go into the MAAC tournament, Greg," Davis said.
Elsewhere, women's tennis wrapped up its regular season, while both men's and women's golf prepare for key events, including the upcoming Mid-American Conference Championship, where EMU enters as a contender.
Segment 1 – Abbi Lauth
The week also brings attention to rowing, with the Ford Lake Cup ahead and the program continuing to build momentum. Davis sat down with junior Abbi Lauth, who has become a key part of that progress, both on and off the water.
"Racing at home is definitely a lot more exciting," Lauth said. "You always have the home advantage… there's nothing to worry about."
For Lauth, that comfort at home reflects a larger shift within the program, one that has seen growth in both performance and opportunity. Hosting major events, including the upcoming MAC Championships, marks another step forward.
"It's really exciting that we're able to host a big event," Lauth said.
Her journey to Eastern Michigan was shaped by relationships and fit, as she found a program that valued her beyond performance alone.
"They really got to know me and cared about things I did outside of rowing," Lauth said.
That environment has helped fuel her development, as Lauth continues to climb the program's record boards while leaning on a strong support system within the team.
"I have a super good support system," Lauth said. "My best friends are there."
As the episode continued, the conversation shifted toward reflection, with both hosts looking back on a year filled with stories, growth, and connection.
"I truly love every single person I've talked to," Davis said.
That reflection sets the stage for what comes next.
The episode features Lauth's conversation as the primary interview, centered around the Ford Lake Cup and the continued rise of the rowing program.
Segment 2
Segment two, however, takes a different turn.
"It will change some things that we're talking about moving forward," Steiner said.
The details remain under wraps, leaving listeners with one clear takeaway, this is a segment you will need to hear for yourself.
The result is an episode that captures the full scope of college athletics in the spring. A night of celebration. A push toward postseason play. A moment of reflection, with something new still on the horizon.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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