Ruby Brannon

Sports Editor

Ruby Brannon uses she/her pronouns, and has worked for The Eastern Echo since Fall 2025. She started as a sports reporter, then moved to Sports Editor in the 2026 winter semester. Brannon is a communications major with a double minor in psychology and marketing.

Her job entails covering EMU athletics by writing game recaps, features, and previews, focusing on telling accurate, engaging stories about our dedicated student-athletes and programs. For Brannon, the best part is capturing the energy behind EMU sports, spotlighting EMU's incredible athletes, and sharpening her skills as a sports journalist for her future endeavors. Contact her with any questions at rbranno1@emich.edu. Brannon is on Instagram (@rubybrannon).

Sports

Records shattered at Scicluna Field: Eagles fall to Bearcats in non-conference finale

By Ruby Brannon | March 9

The Eastern Michigan University lacrosse team concluded its non-conference schedule with a 16-9 loss to the University of Cincinnati on March 8 at Scicluna Field. Despite the defeat, the game was defined by several historic individual performances, including Tracy Grollman tying the program’s single-game assist record and Maddy Porter matching the record for caused turnovers.

Basketball player from opposing team stands in front of Gregory Lawson II with back facing the camera. Lawson holds the basketball and leans around the player.

Sports

Eagle Watch | Feb. 23 – March 6

By Ruby Brannon | March 9

From Emerson Henry’s five-goal lacrosse comeback and Sisi Eleko’s 50th career double-double to Kyrie Lowe’s fifth all-around gymnastics title, Eastern Michigan University athletes elevated their teams with historic and impactful achievements between late February and early March.

Sports

Eagles’ late rally stalls in Buffalo; EMU falls 72-67

By Ruby Brannon | March 9

The Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball team’s late-game surge fell just short on Tuesday night, resulting in a 72-67 loss to the University at Buffalo. Despite a valiant second-half effort where the Eagles outscored the Bulls by double digits, they were unable to overcome a significant halftime deficit in their final road game of the regular season.

Eastern Michigan Track at UofM Invitational feb 17th

Sports

Eagles take flight in Mount Pleasant: EMU men secure third, women take eighth at MAC Indoor Championships

By Ruby Brannon | March 4

The Eastern Michigan University track and field programs concluded the 2026 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Indoor Championships with a series of standout individual performances and podium finishes. Hosted by Central Michigan University at the Jack Skoog Track on Feb. 27-28, the meet saw the EMU men’s team secure a third-place finish with 98 points, while the women’s team placed eighth with 40 points. The weekend was highlighted by a double-gold performance from Kian Wiles, individual titles from Mariah Taylor and Gabe Oliveira, and the crowning of Sam Vesperman as the MAC Co-Indoor Men’s Freshman Performer of the Year.

Tennis

Eagles aim to bounce back in Jacksonville following loss to Stetson Hatters

By Ruby Brannon | March 3

On March 2, 2026, the Eastern Michigan University women’s tennis team traveled to DeLand, Florida, for their first outdoor match of the season against Stetson University. Despite a hard-fought battle in doubles play that came down to a tiebreaker, the Eagles were ultimately swept 7-0 by the Hatters.

Baseball

Notre Dame overpowers Eastern Michigan in 11-1 midweek victory

By Ruby Brannon | March 3

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Eastern Michigan University baseball team traveled to South Bend, Indiana, for a non-conference matchup against the University of Notre Dame. Although the Eagles managed to secure an early 1-0 lead in the third inning, they were unable to withstand a dominant offensive surge from the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame responded with seven runs in the bottom of the third and continued to add insurance runs throughout the game, resulting in an 11-1 victory for the home team in eight innings. Despite the loss, several Eastern Michigan players reached significant personal milestones and extended impressive hitting streaks.

EMU gymnast, Abby Brushwood, doing the splits in the air.

Gymnastics

Eagles deliver historic performances in narrow home defeat

By Ruby Brannon | March 3

On Feb. 27, 2026, the Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team hosted a highly competitive meet in Ypsilanti, achieving season-best scores on the uneven bars and floor exercise. Despite a career-matching performance from Kyrie Lowe to claim the all-around title, the Eagles narrowly finished second behind Western Michigan by a margin of just 0.075 points.

Swimming and Diving

Splash zone: Eastern Michigan divers and swimmers leave their mark on MAC

By Ruby Brannon | March 3

The Eastern Michigan University swim and dive programs concluded their 2026 Mid-American Conference Championships with a sixth-place finish, marked by several program top-10 performances and a major individual award. Freshman Rose Kendrick headlined the final day of competition as she was named the MAC Freshman Diver of the Year, while teammates Nina LaRosa and Marlee Christie etched their names deeper into the school’s record books.

Baseball

Eagles split four-game set with SIUE behind power surge and strong pitching

By Ruby Brannon | March 3

The Eastern Michigan University baseball team earned a 2-2 series split against the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars at Simmons Baseball Complex. The Eagles showed explosive offense and improved pitching throughout the weekend. Behind multiple home runs, dominant starting performances, and key bullpen efforts, the Eagles moved to 4-8 on the season and gained momentum heading into their matchup with University of Notre Dame.

Women's lacrosse player with ball in the pocket of their stick dodges out of the way of opposing team player on the field.

Sports

Tracy Grollman: A legacy of excellence on and off the lacrosse field

By Ruby Brannon | March 2

Senior attacker Tracy Grollman continues to cement her legacy at Eastern Michigan University, earning Mid-American Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors after leading the Eagles to a historic win over the University of Oregon and surpassing 100 career points. With record-breaking performances on the field and a 3.0-plus GPA in the classroom, Grollman stands as a defining figure in the rise of EMU lacrosse, both athletically and academically.