The life of a collegiate student-athlete is a demanding exercise in time management, discipline, and resilience. At Eastern Michigan University (EMU), this duality is not merely managed; it is celebrated as a core component of the institution's identity. The university recently reached a significant milestone when seven Eagles were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large team, a definitive testament to the high caliber of individuals representing the Green and White.
The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in their respective sports and in the classroom. To be eligible for this distinction, a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and be a significant contributor to their team, typically competing in at least 90 percent of the team's contests or starting in at least 66 percent of them. The "At-Large" category is uniquely competitive, encompassing a diverse array of sports such as gymnastics, golf, rowing, and lacrosse.
Spotlight on the honorees
Leading the way for the gymnastics program is senior Kyrie Lowe. An Interior Design major with a 3.8 GPA, Lowe has been a pillar of consistency for the Eagles. Her recognition follows a standout season where she was named Academic All-MAC and selected to the All-MAC Second Team after being honored as the MAC Gymnast of the Week on March 17.
In rowing, Abbi Lauth was recognized for her exceptional accomplishments in the classroom, carrying a 3.96 GPA while studying Marketing and Communication. On the water, Lauth's athletic performance was equally impressive, earning her All-MAC Second Team honors during the 2025-26 season.
The men's golf program was represented by Leo Mihaich. After transferring to Eastern from Oklahoma Christian, Mihaich made an immediate impact, appearing in seven tournaments in his lone season with the program. He finishes his collegiate career with a strong 71.7 stroke average and 31 top-20 finishes in collegiate tournaments.
Women's golf featured two standout honorees, Janae Leovao and Baiyok Sukterm, who led their team to historic heights. Leovao earned multiple All-America honors and famously defeated the nation's No. 1 ranked player in NCAA match play, finishing the season ranked No. 46 nationally. Sukterm, also a First Team All-MAC selection, finished the year ranked No. 53 after placing among the top 15 individuals at the NCAA Championships. Together, they helped the program climb from a No. 226 ranking in 2024 to a tie for third in the nation by 2026.
Finally, the women's lacrosse program celebrated the achievements of Annika Wozney and Mackenzie Blackwell, both of whom are repeat CSC honorees. Wozney, the recipient of the prestigious MAC Medal of Excellence, earned First Team All-MAC honors and started all 65 games in program history on defense. Blackwell, a participant in the IWLCA Senior All-Star Game, concludes her career holding or sharing more than 60 percent of the program's records.
A legacy of academic excellence
These accolades are part of a broader trend of academic success at Eastern Michigan. The university has frequently reported record-breaking department-wide GPAs, with the football program notably achieving a 94 percent Graduation Success Rate, the highest in the Mid-American Conference.
By consistently placing student-athletes on these prestigious lists, Eastern Michigan University proves that it provides the necessary infrastructure to allow its athletes to soar. These seven Eagles are more than just competitors; they are scholars, leaders, and ambassadors for the university’s mission.
