Eastern Michigan Athletics
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Season 7 - Episode 26: April Fools, Transfer Portal Chaos, and Defense on the Girdiron
Published on 3/31/2025
Published on 3/31/2025
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.
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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