Eastern Michigan Athletics
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Season 8 – Episode 21: From Fairways to Fast Ice, Eagles Chase Championships and Olympic Dreams
Published on 2/16/2026
Published on 2/16/2026
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."
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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 He challenges outdated traditions, calling for simpler systems and a campus "completely obsessed" with student success, while also addressing the need to grow fan and community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