Sports - The Eastern Echo

Using sledgehammers, teammates knock down a brick wall that says "The Factory."

EMU 2026 football schedule

By The Eastern Echo Staff · Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026

Here's when every Eastern Michigan University football game is scheduled this fall.

EMU player, in a white jersey, kicking the soccer ball in front of a Ball State player, in a red jersey.

Eagles dominate play but settle for scoreless draw at Robert Morris

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

Despite a dominant attacking performance led by defenders Ella Fuller and Gillian Poiesz, who combined for six of the team's 17 shots, the Eastern Michigan soccer team was held to a 0-0 draw at Robert Morris while completely denying the Colonials a single shot on goal.

Eagles soar to season-opening football win, set sights on next challenge

By Darrell Justice · Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

Eastern Michigan wins football season opener against Sacramento State 28-17.

EMU player #15, in a white jersey, bumps the volleyball with her teammates by her on the court, in black jerseys.

Golden start for the green and white: Volleyball defies preseason polls with USI Invitational Championship

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University women's volleyball team kicked off its historic 50th season by defying a ninth-place MAC preseason poll projection to sweep the USI Invitational Championship. Led by fourth-year Head cach Kevin Foeman, the team's heavily retooled roster of 14 newcomers relied on immediate freshman contributions and a dominant net defense to secure their best 3-0 start since 2018

Football player in a green jersey looks to pass the football on a gray field.

Eagles set to welcome Sacramento State to Rynearson Stadium for landmark MAC opener

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Eastern Michigan University opens its 2026 football season this Saturday at Rynearson Stadium by hosting Sacramento State in a historic matchup marking the Hornets' FBS and Mid-American Conference debut. The Eagles will look to bounce back from last year's 4-8 campaign by testing their defense against a transfer-heavy Sacramento State team adjusting to a new coaching staff.

EMU player, in the white jersey, kicking the soccer ball

Twenty-two shots, zero goals: How Eastern Michigan’s gritty defense stunned No. 3 Spartans

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

The Eastern Michigan women's soccer team earned a historic 0-0 draw against No. 3-ranked Michigan State on August 27, 2026, marking the first tie between the programs since 2009. Despite being outshot 22-0 and facing 15 corner kicks, the Eagles relied on an incredibly disciplined low defensive block and a seven-save masterclass from goalkeeper Ella Holland to hold off the dominant Spartan offense.

#81, in a green jersey, jumps to catch the football

National spotlight shines on Ypsilanti: Five Eagles named to major preseason watch lists

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Five Eastern Michigan University football players have earned prestigious preseason recognition, with Dennis Strey Jr. named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list, Devereaux to the Shrine Bowl 1000, Gallegos to the Rimington Trophy list, Llewellyn to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy list, and Long to the John Mackey Award list.

Woodwork and one late strike hand Eagles narrow loss at Detroit Mercy

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Despite outshooting the University of Detroit Mercy 20-7, the Eastern Michigan University soccer team suffered a narrow 1-0 loss following an 80th-minute breakthrough by the Titans.

EMU Jones Natatorium 2027 closure spells uncertainty for women's swim and dive program

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

Eastern Michigan University has announced the permanent closure of Jones Natatorium on May 9, 2027, placing the university’s women’s swimming and diving program in jeopardy of discontinuation.

EMU player, in a white jersey, passing the ball to a teammate outside the frame

Eagles open 2026 campaign with dominant performance

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

The Eastern Michigan women’s soccer team opened its 2026 season with a 3-1 victory over Duquesne at Scicluna Field on August 12, overcoming an early penalty-kick deficit by responding with three unanswered goals from Christie Fransen, Kaylee Synk, and Madison Hurst.

Indoor track and field equipment in gray, green, and white fills the space, with athletes standing off to the sides of most of the competition areas.

Scholars in spikes: Eastern Michigan’s Track & field program sets a new academic standard

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University track and field program has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, earning 12 CSC Academic All-District honors and placing 29 student-athletes on the Outdoor Academic All-MAC list,. These accolades are further bolstered by the program receiving USTFCCCA All-Academic honors, highlighting a culture of elite scholarly achievement alongside national athletic competition.

Eastern Michigan University women's player, in a white jersey, dribbling the ball with a Arkansas State player, in a black jersey, gaining on her.

Eagles reach new heights: A recap of the historic 2025-26 season

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

The 2025-26 Eastern Michigan University athletics season marked a transformative era defined by a historic third-place national finish for women’s golf and record-breaking academic performance across all programs. This year of "historic firsts" saw the department achieve its highest-ever cumulative GPA while earning national coaching honors and Olympic medals.

The wall of a baseball stadium from outside. Text in the top center reads "Oestrike Stadium." One entrance is visible with a hanging sign that reads "Center Entrance."

Eagles strengthen coaching staff with appointment of Steve Merriman

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026

Eastern Michigan University has officially appointed veteran coach Steve Merriman as the new pitching coach for the Eagles' baseball program. Bringing a high-caliber pedigree from his previous tenure with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Merriman is expected to leverage his extensive experience in player development to elevate the team's performance on the mound.

Thank you, Sue Parks: The completion of a championship circle

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, July 31, 2026

Sue Parks has announced her retirement following a distinguished 32-year coaching career, including two decades of championship-winning leadership at her alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Her departure marks the culmination of a legendary family legacy that saw her transition the Eagles from the bottom of the conference to a combined program powerhouse

Women's lacrosse player takes off after securing ball in faceoff. A referee stands in the foreground obscuring two other lacrosse players, with a member of the opposing team off to the side mid-run.

Seven EMU athletes earn prestigious academic all-district recognition

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, July 31, 2026

Eastern Michigan University continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, as evidenced by seven student-athletes recently earning CSC Academic All-District At-Large honors. This achievement highlights the university's success in fostering a culture where athletic performance and rigorous scholarship coexist and thrive.

EMU Rowing shines in post-season academic honors

By Ruby Brannon · Thursday, July 30, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University athletic department celebrated a landmark academic season in 2025-26, highlighted by the women’s rowing team placing 14 student-athletes on the inaugural Academic All-MAC list. Beyond the water, seven Eagles across five different sports programs earned prestigious CSC Academic All-District At-Large honors for their combined excellence in the classroom and in competition

Ray Glory-Ejoyokah set to represent EMU at USATF U20 Championships

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Eastern Michigan University freshman Ray Glory-Ejoyokah is set to compete in the discus throw at the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships this summer. Following a historic debut season that saw him climb to fourth on the program's all-time performance list, Glory-Ejoyokah now aims to secure a spot on the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championship team.

Josh Brewer named Golfweek National Coach of the Year

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Josh Brewer has been named the 2025-26 Golfweek Women’s National Coach of the Year following a historic season that saw Eastern Michigan University’s women’s golf program rise from a national rank of 226th to the NCAA match play quarterfinals. This prestigious honor marks the first time an EMU coach has received the national title, capping a transformative two-year period supported by unprecedented institutional investment and record-breaking team performances.

EMU's player, in a white jersey, dribbling the ball with a Ball State player, in a red jersey, coming in from the side

The 2026 Eastern Michigan Women's soccer season preview

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Entering its 31st varsity season, the Eastern Michigan women’s soccer program is led by third-year head coach Taylor Clarke and features a 2026 schedule highlighted by matches against three teams that competed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The roster combines veteran leadership from leading scorer Olivia Sipsock and goalkeeper Ella Holland with a fresh influx of talent from a six-player signing class and four transfers.

Janae Leovao: Golfweek All-American

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, July 27, 2026

Janae Leovao, a standout senior transfer from Long Beach State, has quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the Eastern Michigan University women’s golf program after earning prestigious Golfweek and WGCA All-American honors. Bringing a top-tier national ranking and a history of NCAA Regional success to Ypsilanti, she competes alongside her twin sister, Jasmine, under the leadership of Golfweek National Coach of the Year, Heather Brewer.