The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball program has long emphasized that championships are won as much in the classroom as they are on the hardwood. On April 2, 2026, that philosophy was embodied once again when the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced that seniors Sisi Eleko and Brooklyn Thrash earned Academic All-MAC honors. This recognition marks a significant milestone for two of the program’s most consistent leaders, celebrating their first conference academic awards as Eagles and bringing the program's historical total to 44 MAC academic accolades.
To qualify for this prestigious distinction, a student-athlete must excel on both fronts, maintaining at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA while participating in at least 50 percent of the team's contests. Additionally, eligibility is reserved for those who have completed at least one full year at their institution, making these awards a testament to the long-term dedication Eleko and Thrash have shown since joining the Eagles from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Sisi Eleko, a Montreal native majoring in Psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice, capped off her senior year with one of the most statistically dominant campaigns in program history. While maintaining a 3.21 GPA, she was a persistent force in the paint, earning All-MAC Second Team honors for the second consecutive season. Eleko’s on-court production was staggering; she led the Eagles in both scoring (17.6 ppg) and rebounding (9.9 rpg), ranking second and first in the MAC, respectively.
Remarkably, she was the only player in the conference to rank in the top two in both points and rebounds. Her season was defined by a conference-high 17 double-doubles, a feat that allowed her to tie the EMU program record for career double-doubles with 31. She finished her Eagle tenure just eight points shy of the 1,000-point milestone, cementing her legacy as an elite post player who prioritized her studies alongside her scoring.
Equally vital to the team's identity was Brooklyn Thrash, an Exercise Science major with a 3.46 GPA. Thrash earned the reputation of being the team’s "iron woman," standing as the only Eagle to appear in every single game over the past two seasons. Her senior year was marked by significant statistical growth across the board. She tallied 229 points—a 31-point increase from the previous season—while simultaneously improving her efficiency.
Despite playing 69 more minutes than the year before, Thrash actually reduced her total turnovers by five, showcasing a heightened level of discipline and poise. Her tenacity was particularly evident on the glass, where over 36% of her rebounds were offensive, ranking her second on the team in that category.
As both student-athletes prepare to graduate in the spring of 2026, their dual recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the program's standards. They follow in the footsteps of many Eagles before them, proving that the rigorous demands of Division I basketball can be met without compromising academic excellence. For Eleko and Thrash, these honors represent the culmination of a collegiate journey defined by reliability, growth, and a commitment to being leaders in every facet of student life.
