Eastern Michigan Athletics
Podcasts
Season 8 - Episode 1: Texas-Sized Kickoff of Season 8
Published on 8/25/2025
Published on 8/25/2025
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.
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Dr. Brendan Kelly opens his presidency at Eastern Michigan with a clear focus on students, energy, and connection, stressing that "if we don't get that right, then we might as well throw our hands up and walk off the field." Drawing on his own experience as a two-time EMU alum, he emphasizes closing gaps in the student experience, building pride, and moving quickly with "the best idea in the room." He challenges outdated traditions, calling for simpler systems and a campus "completely obsessed" with student success, while also addressing the need to grow fan and community energy. Kelly sees the hiring of men's basketball coach Billy Donlon as a reflection of that vision, praising his "standard of excellence" and grit, and signaling a broader push to raise expectations across the university.
Published on 4/6/2026
The episode centers on alignment, as Billy Donlon and Scott Wetherbee lay out a clear path for Eastern Michigan men's basketball grounded in belief and accountability. Donlon pointed to the hiring process as a turning point, saying, "What really got my juices really flowing was the Zoom interview… you could feel their passion, their purpose," while emphasizing a program built on toughness and unity where players "play for Eastern Michigan on the front of the jersey." Wetherbee reinforced that direction, describing a deliberate search that narrowed from "25, 30 people" to one clear choice driven by "energy" and a proven track record, adding, "We all looked at each other and like, that's our guy." Together, their message focused on consistency, development, and community investment, with Wetherbee urging support beyond the hire, saying, "If you care about Eastern Michigan… come give us a try," as both leaders signal a program ready to move forward with shared purpose.
Published on 3/30/2026
Episode 26 centers on impact beyond competition through conversations with Rachel Amity and Omar Ahmad, who detail how Eastern supports student-athletes at every level. Amity emphasizes a "full spectrum of care" that blends therapy with performance tools while building trust through visibility and relationships, noting "we can't completely separate athlete from person." Her work focuses on strategies like "visualization and imagery" and reinforcing that mental health must match physical preparation for true performance. Ahmad, highlighting the Week of Excellence, shifts the lens to storytelling and opportunity, calling it "an opportunity… to highlight what our student-athletes are bringing to the table." He underscores the role of mentorship, legacy, and donor support in shaping futures, adding, "we're really changing people's lives." Together, the interviews show a unified approach where care, connection, and investment define the Eastern experience.
Published on 3/23/2026
Episode 25 centers on two behind-the-scenes perspectives within Eastern Michigan athletics, as quarterback Noah Kim discusses the unexpected NCAA waiver that granted him another season and the leadership role he embraces as he enters year two, leading the Eagles' offense. Kim reflects on continuity, preparation, and the motivation of returning to a familiar program while guiding a younger roster. The episode also highlights assistant sports performance coach Aaron Abraham, who explains how he balances responsibilities with both basketball programs while building individualized training plans, monitoring athlete performance data, and developing trust with student-athletes. Together, the interviews offer insight into the preparation, leadership, and development shaping Eastern Michigan programs heading into spring competition.
Published on 3/16/2026