As the 2025-26 athletic season came to a close, Eastern Michigan University proved that its student-athletes are just as formidable in the classroom as they are in their respective arenas. This June, a wave of academic awards swept through the department, particularly the women’s rowing program.
The women’s rowing team set a high bar this season, not only participating in the first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) Women’s Rowing Championship but also dominating the conference's inaugural academic rankings. A total of 14 Eagles were named to the Academic All-MAC Team, a distinction requiring a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA and participation in at least half of the season's contests. Among those recognized were veteran leaders like senior Abigail Zola, a Civil Engineering major with a 3.66 GPA, and junior Abbi Lauth, who maintained a 3.94 GPA in General Business.
The academic accolades for rowing did not stop at the conference level. On June 5, the College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) announced that eight EMU student-athletes earned the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award. This national recognition is reserved for student-athletes who maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA or higher and compete in at least 75% of the team's spring races. The Eagles honored included Stella Balcom, Gabby Charvat, Sydney Junkans, Ellie Latunski, Abbi Lauth, Bryah Moriarty, Natalie Prairie, and Abigail Zola. For several of these women, such as Zola, this marked the third consecutive year receiving this national honor, demonstrating remarkable consistency over a collegiate career.
The success of the rowing program was further highlighted by individuals who balanced elite performance with top-tier academics. Abbi Lauth emerged as a standout "triple threat" this season, earning Second-Team All-MAC athletic honors, a CRCA Scholar-Athlete award, and a spot on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large Team. Lauth, who studies Marketing and Communication, carried a 3.96 GPA while remaining a fixture in the Eagles’ 1V8+ lineup. Similarly, Bryah Moriarty and Natalie Prairie were recognized for their "power rowing" in the 1V8+ boat while maintaining GPAs of 3.78 and 3.81, respectively.
While rowing captured many headlines, the CSC Academic All-District At-Large honors showcased the breadth of EMU’s academic talent across five different programs. Joining Lauth on this prestigious list were seven other Eagles who met the rigorous 3.50 GPA requirement.
As Janet Raymer, CRCA Executive Director, noted, balancing these demands requires "tremendous commitment, discipline, and support". For the students at Eastern Michigan, these awards are more than just certificates; they are a testament to the hard work performed in the early hours on Ford Lake and the late hours in the library. Under the leadership of their coaches and faculty, these Eagles have proven that academic and athletic excellence are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary goals.
