Eastern Michigan Athletics
Season 8, Episode 21 centers on two in-depth conversations that highlight preparation and possibility across Eastern Michigan athletics. Men's golf coach Andy Walker details how winter training, national rankings and a deep roster have positioned his team for a MAC title push, stressing that "Golf is an outdoor sport" while embracing indoor work to refine "process and mentality and breathing." He points to leaders like Charlie Box, who "wants to tear your guts out," and a healthier lineup as key pieces in a postseason chase where "MAC determines postseason for us this year." The episode then shifts to former track star Jasmine Jones, who reflects on her foundation at EMU and her path to the 2026 Winter Olympics in bobsled. "It's definitely created this foundation that I needed," Jones says of her Eastern career, recounting the moment she heard her name called for Olympic selection while "sitting on pins and needles." From rebuilding confidence after her first World Cup win to balancing motherhood and elite sport, Jones shares a story grounded in belief, closing with a message that defines the episode's tone: "As long as you believe it and you can strive to do it, then go do it."
Published on 2/16/2026
Season 8, Episode 20 centers on voices shaping Eastern Michigan athletics, with women's golf coach Josh Brewer and interim baseball coach Trevor Beerman leading the conversation. Brewer shares belief built through winter work, national ranking momentum, and a roster driven by daily competition as the spring season begins on the West Coast. Beerman details a transition marked by trust, continuity, and hunger, pointing to leadership within the locker room, growth on the mound, and pride tied to Oestrike Stadium. Framed by the show's 200th episode milestone, the interviews carry a feature tone rooted in purpose, patience, and programs pushing toward championships.
Published on 2/9/2026
The episode featured extended conversations with Eastern Michigan lacrosse head coach Maddie Dugan and sophomore Alex Paterson, placing the focus squarely on people driving the program forward. Dugan discussed life after a regular season conference title, describing excitement around returning talent, a strengthened coaching staff, and clear goals of postseason advancement. "We're excited and expected to do well this year," Dugan said, pointing to experience, balance on offense, and a physical defensive identity as foundations entering the season. The second interview shifted to Paterson, who shared a personal journey back to the field after suffering burns across 28 percent of her body in an off field accident. Patterson detailed recovery, surgery, and relearning how to walk, all while keeping lacrosse at the center of her motivation. "My first question was asking if I could play lacrosse again," she said. Together, the interviews framed a show built on ambition, growth, and perseverance within Eastern Michigan lacrosse.
Published on 2/2/2026
Episode 18 opened with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a busy week across EMU Athletics, from women's basketball honoring the day against Toledo to a packed doubleheader and campus events. The conversation touched on national college football, then shifted home as senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe discussed an unbeaten start, all-around success, leadership growth, and balance inside the gym and classroom. Men's basketball head coach Stan Heath followed with a breakdown of the Bowling Green comeback effort, growth from Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison, and lessons shaping preparation for Kent State. Together, the show blended reflection, competition, and forward motion across the department.
Published on 1/19/2026
Episode 17 opened the new year with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis blending humor with momentum before spotlighting two voices shaping EMU's winter season. Gymnastics junior Gwendelyn Cantu reflected on her first career vault win, the confidence built through training, and the energy driving a resurgent program ahead of a themed home meet. Tennis coach Ryan Kucera followed with a look at the spring season shift, team culture, and the growth of a young roster as match play begins. Together, the conversations framed a semester fueled by belief, preparation, and competitive edge across Eastern Michigan athletics.
Published on 1/12/2026
The Eastern Insider wrapped up 2025 with a fast mix of holiday music talk, lighthearted moments and major news across EMU athletics. Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with favorite songs and a story about Davis dressing as a Christmas tree in Detroit before shifting to football honors, a 37 player signing class and the team banquet that highlighted Dante McMillan. They moved to basketball updates, including a look at freshman guard Peyton Hill, who later detailed her early rise and strong support system. The episode also covered women's games against Indiana and Ball State, the men's December road stretch and a return home against UMass. The show previewed gymnastics, noted several sports coming back in January and closed by celebrating WEMU's 60th anniversary.
Published on 12/8/2025
Episode 15 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE begins with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis breaking down what they called "a lot of W's" across Eastern Michigan, led by the men's basketball team's road upset at Cincinnati, the program's first Power Conference road victory in a decade. The hosts joke about Steiner's prediction and detail the scheduling quirks, late-night travel, and quick holiday turnaround that framed back-to-back wins before previewing upcoming matchups with Butler and Cleary. They highlight the women's team's strong start and set up two major interviews, including point guard Ainhoa Cea discussing her move from Spain and her growing impact, and President James Smith reflecting on his decade of leadership, community ties, and upcoming retirement. The segment closes with reminders about Giving Tuesday, football signing da,y and Friday's basketball doubleheader.
Published on 12/1/2025
Episode 14 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE sets the scene for Eastern Michigans rivalry matchup with Western Michigan as Greg Steiner and Elena Davis break down postseason paths, revisit Westerns last trip to the MAC Championship, and outline the stakes for EMU's senior night. The hosts move through football promotions, highlight recent men's and women's basketball results, and preview the episodes featured interviews. Chris Creighton explains his teams late season growth, senior leadership, and the challenge Western brings to the finale. Ruby Brannon shares her transition from Australia to Division I basketball, her adjustment to American culture and style of play, and the impact of EMUs international roster on her comfort and development.
Published on 11/24/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE shifted past its light opening banter and focused on two interviews that framed the episode. Junior swimmer Lucy Noble detailed her path from Florida to Eastern Michigan, her work behind the camera, her years as a lifeguard, and her approach as a team captain. She also discussed the adjustment to Michigan seasons and the bonds that define the roster. The show then turned to head football coach Chris Creighton, who spoke about reaching 200 career wins and the people who shaped his three-decade journey. He pointed to former players, colleagues, and mentors who reconnected during the week, and he reviewed the defensive surge, special teams execution, and road performance that carried Eastern Michigan to the milestone victory.
Published on 11/17/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast powered by DTE put the spotlight on two standout voices from Eastern Michigan athletics. Head football coach Chris Creighton broke down the Eagles' 27-21 victory over Bowling Green, crediting improved physical play and a renewed focus on fundamentals during the bye week for the team's strong finish. He praised his players' discipline and resilience, pointing to key moments like Ronn Hardin's game-clinching sack and Noah Kim's second-half turnaround. Later, senior swimmer and team captain Ali Kudo shared her journey balancing neuroscience studies with the demands of Division I competition. She reflected on leading through injury, finding motivation in her teammates, and how communication and empathy define her approach to leadership.
Published on 11/10/2025
Coach Chris Creighton delivers a clear message to the football team during the bye. Fix mistakes. Improve every day. Earn success through effort and discipline as the team enters the final stretch. He discusses communication with players, the tone of recent practices, and the importance of home-field pride as Bowling Green arrives for Military Appreciation Day. The show also features Standard Printing president Steve Dobrovich. He describes more than three decades of partnership with the university and why continued support matters for athletes, staff, and the campus community. His comments highlight pride in Ypsilanti business history and the connection between local investment and Eastern's progress. The episode sets a focused approach for the month ahead across EMU sports.
Published on 11/3/2025
The latest Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE delivered equal parts fun and insight as hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Halloween-themed episode with lighthearted banter before diving into Eastern Michigan's busy athletic slate. The duo reflected on football's narrow loss to Ohio and the team's need to recharge before facing Bowling Green, while spotlighting soccer's crucial 3-2 win over Northern Illinois and volleyball's reverse sweep of Buffalo to stay in MAC contention. With basketball season tipping off, men's head coach Stan Heath outlined his program's new "PITT" identity built on pace, intensity, toughness, and togetherness, while women's head coach Sahar Nusseibeh emphasized leadership, international talent, and a "road warrior" mindset entering year two.
Published on 10/27/2025
The latest episode of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE showcased a week of determination and progress across Eastern Michigan athletics. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened with updates on EMU soccer's key win over Akron that kept the Eagles in MAC Tournament contention and volleyball's upcoming series against Buffalo. The spotlight centered on senior setter and captain Ashlynn Belcher, who shared her story of transferring from Old Dominion and immediately earning her teammates' respect as a leader. Belcher reflected on her growth, her father's influence as a former Major League pitcher, and her appreciation for the team she calls her favorite of her career. The show also previewed EMU football's return to Rynearson Stadium for a pivotal matchup against defending MAC champion Ohio, part of a packed Made in the Mitten and Band Day celebration expected to draw more than 1,100 band members to campus.
Published on 10/20/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE turned its focus to defense and tradition in Episode 8, as hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped EMU's hard-fought win over Northern Illinois and previewed the road trip to Miami. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised the Eagles' progress, pointing to improved tackling and execution as keys to sustaining success in conference play. The show also honored two legends entering the E-Club Hall of Fame, men's basketball great John Bowler and women's standout Nikki Knapp, whose careers embodied the competitive spirit that defines Eastern Michigan. With added updates across fall sports, the episode balanced on-field insight with a celebration of athletic legacy in Ypsilanti.
Published on 10/13/2025
Eastern Michigan's latest Eastern Insider Podcast mixed football grit with volleyball leadership. Head Coach Chris Creighton praised his team's aggressive mindset and offensive improvement despite an overtime loss at Buffalo, while previewing Saturday's Car Show Game against Northern Illinois. On the volleyball court, junior captain Surabhi Srinivasan shared how she transitioned from a limited role early in her career to becoming a trusted leader voted in by her teammates. She discussed her growth, balance between humor and focus, and the pride she feels representing EMU both on the court and in the classroom.
Published on 10/6/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE returned with a packed sixth episode as co-hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped Eastern Michigan's rivalry loss at Central Michigan, highlighted standout running back Dante McMillan, and previewed this week's road trip to Buffalo. Head Coach Chris Creighton joined the show to stress the need for game-changing plays and consistent energy, while also praising McMillan as the toughest player on the roster. The episode shifted to alumni success as Davis sat down with former EMU pitcher Anthony Tomey, who reflected on his championship days in Ypsilanti, the honor of receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, and his growth as CEO of The Tomey Group, which now operates 50 Jimmy John's locations and brands like 8 Mile Vodka and Born in Detroit. Alongside football and alumni features, the show also spotlighted women's soccer, volleyball, baseball's "wildcard weekend," and even mixed in some Detroit sports talk, keeping the blend of athletics and personality at the forefront.
Published on 9/29/2025
Episode 5 of Season 8 of the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE captured a packed weekend for Eastern Michigan athletics, highlighted by a dramatic 34-31 homecoming football victory over Louisiana, which featured the debut of sleek black uniforms and the new "MACCoon" turnover chain. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis also celebrated EMU soccer's 1-0 win over Toledo that moved the Eagles to 2-0 in conference play for the first time since 2014, placing them atop the MAC standings. The episode shifted to the road ahead, with football preparing for its 103rd meeting against Central Michigan, before turning to Davis' interview with track senior Sophie Emin, who transferred from Rutgers and has embraced EMU's championship tradition, crediting longtime coach Sue Parks for shaping her as both an athlete and a person.
Published on 9/22/2025
Eastern Michigan University is celebrating its 97th Homecoming with Operation Paint It Green, bringing a full week of spirit-filled events to campus. Highlights include the retirement celebration for longtime track and field coach Sue Parks, the ribbon-cutting for the new track complex, a track alumni tailgate, and the all-sports reunion before Saturday's 3:30 p.m. football game at Rynearson Stadium. Fans can also enjoy fall sports action, exclusive EMU merchandise at games, and opportunities throughout the week to join in on the Homecoming tradition.
Published on 9/15/2025
This week's Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE opened with a look back at women's soccer's tight loss at DePaul, volleyball's 5-2 start after sweeping its home tournament, and women's golf's commanding lead in Statesboro. The hosts also promoted Thursday's Homecoming Field Day at Rynearson Stadium and Saturday's watch party at Aubrey's in Depot Town. Turning to football, they reflected on the home-opening loss to Long Island, discussed defensive struggles, and examined Kentucky's experienced roster and tough SEC schedule. The episode also previewed featured conversations with head coach Chris Creighton and freshman soccer player Abby Parsons, offering both veteran insight and a newcomer's perspective.
Published on 9/8/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast powered by DTE returned with a Labor Day edition that highlighted the opening week of September for EMU Athletics. Hosts Greg Steiner and Elena Davis recapped football's season-opening loss at Texas State and previewed Saturday's home debut against Long Island, with Creighton stressing improved tackling, line play, and consistency while praising quarterback Noah Kim and running back Dontae McMillan. The show also featured senior distance runner Cara Weber, who shared her experience of battling epilepsy, undergoing brain surgery, and growing into a team leader while achieving personal bests on the track.
Published on 9/1/2025
Season 8 of the Eastern Insider Podcast debuted with a big opener, as host Greg Steiner welcomed Head Coach Chris Creighton to preview EMU football's upcoming clash under the San Marcos lights. Entering his 12th season with 51 new faces on the roster, Creighton stressed the team's depth, energy, and culture while embracing the challenges of the modern transfer era. Graduate assistant Elena Davis also joined the show as a new contributor, sitting down with senior Hannah Thompson to discuss EMU women's soccer and her unique journey from four-year starter to high school football kicker. With football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country all underway, the episode captured the excitement of another year of all-access coverage in Ypsilanti.
Published on 8/25/2025
The Eastern Insider Podcast wrapped up Season 7 with a high-energy finale as hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner were joined by EMU Head Football Coach Chris Creighton, quarterback Noah Kim, and cheer captain Elena Davis. Coach Creighton reflected on a productive spring, emphasizing growth, chemistry, and innovation—like crossover drills that helped players understand both sides of the ball. Noah Kim discussed his transition from Michigan State, praising EMU's culture and his evolving connection with teammates. Elena Davis, fresh off a top-seven finish at NCA Nationals, shared her pride in the cheer team's resilience and excitement for what's ahead. The biggest headline, however, was the announcement that NFL star and EMU legend Maxx Crosby is officially returning to the program as Assistant GM. Crosby will lead a player mentorship initiative, inspire future "MAXX" position defenders, and kickstart the "Maxx Challenge," matching NIL donations up to $100,000. With momentum across football, cheer, and the entire athletic department, EMU heads into the summer with excitement and alignment.
Published on 4/14/2025
Episode 27 of the Eastern Insider Podcast is all about celebration—of the past, present, and future of Eastern Michigan Athletics. Hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner open with a deep dive into the standout performers of the year, naming breakout student-athletes like Christian Henry and Lily Wilhelm, unforgettable moments like Jalen Terry's deep buzzer-beater, and honoring coaches who've reshaped their programs. With one episode left in the season, the duo relives the highlights that defined EMU in 2024–25. They also look ahead to an action-filled weekend, led by Friday night's Spring Football Game at Rynearson Stadium, where fans can catch position battles, donate books for a cause, and snag some EMU swag. Plus, Elena Davis joins for an emotional reflection on cheer, growth, and gratitude as she heads to her final nationals.
Published on 4/7/2025
This episode of Eastern Insider puts a spotlight on Eastern Michigan Women's Basketball and the challenges of the ever-changing transfer portal, as head coach Sahar Nusseibeh shares her approach to rebuilding a roster with just three returning players. She details the importance of recruiting the right character, not just talent, while navigating a system that's been dubbed the "Wild West." On the football side, defensive coordinator Ben Needham provides a spring ball update, emphasizing player development, competition, and a focus on increasing takeaways. With new faces stepping into key roles, the Eagles are laying the foundation for a strong 2025 season.
Published on 3/31/2025