As Halloween approached, Sahar Nusseibeh, the new head coach of the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team, sat down for an exclusive interview, brimming with excitement and optimism for the upcoming season. Transitioning into her role amidst the autumn rains, Nusseibeh's infectious enthusiasm and focus on building relationships set a promising tone for what lies ahead.
Reflecting on her new position, Nusseibeh remarked, “The most exciting thing for me is the people. When this opportunity came about, I talked with Scott (Wetherbee) and Erin (Kito), and there was so much alignment in terms of what we are about. Their vision for the department and how much people matter really resonated with me.”
She emphasized that this connection was crucial in her decision to join EMU.
With a roster that boasts a blend of returning players and newcomers, Nusseibeh expressed confidence in her team's potential. “Our returners have embraced everything with open arms. They are not resistant; they are open to a new coach and a new staff,” she noted. “The players we brought in are exceptional as well. There’s a lot of alignment, and the most exciting thing will always be the people.”
Notably, Nusseibeh has welcomed five players from her previous coaching stint, which she believes adds a seamless dynamic to the team.
“They know the system and how we do things,” she explained. “We’re really big on the ‘how.’ How you do anything is how you do everything. It’s about developing leadership and setting high standards, which we know they can achieve.”
As she delves into her coaching philosophy, Nusseibeh stresses the importance of balancing academics and athletics.
“We want to create an environment where they feel comfortable saying, ‘Coach, I have class at this time,’ and we prioritize that,” she said. “They’re students before they are athletes, and we want to support them as people first.”
This holistic approach extends to mental health, a focus that Nusseibeh believes is essential for her players' performance on the court.
“If they’re stressed about school, they won’t be good on the court. We prioritize things beyond basketball,” she added.
Having previously coached at Bowling Green and Miami University, Nusseibeh brings valuable experience to EMU.
“This league is competitive. If you don’t bring your A-game, you will lose,” she cautioned, indicating that she is prepared to elevate her team’s performance to meet the Mid-American Conference (MAC) demands.
One of her primary goals is to establish a foundation of love, trust, and respect within the program.
“Foundation goes deeper than the surface,” she explained. “It’s about leading with love, trust, and respect every single day. Our athletes are capable, and we want them to grow in every facet.”
Nusseibeh is committed to fostering a culture of accountability, ensuring her players understand that actions speak louder than words.
Team bonding is a crucial aspect of her coaching approach. She mentioned the importance of players enjoying each other off the court to ensure game cohesion.
"If we can't enjoy each other off the court, there will be no chemistry on the court," she remarked. The team's "Eagle Get Togethers" (EGTs), which focus on food, fun, and education, help foster these connections.
As the season approaches, Nusseibeh remains focused on instilling a winning mentality in her players.
“People are everything. It’s about who is in that locker room, who is bought in, and who believes in each other,” she said. “That’s what will make us successful.”
With a strong vision and a commitment to nurturing players and relationships, Sahar Nusseibeh is ready to lead EMU women's basketball into an exciting new chapter. As fans anticipate the season ahead, her focus on building a supportive and successful team culture promises to leave a lasting impact on the program.
The upcoming 2023-24 season will be pivotal as it opens with a home game on Monday, Nov. 4, at the EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles will take on Texas State at 6:30 p.m. This marks an exciting opportunity for Nusseibeh to lead her team in front of the home crowd as they begin their quest for success in the MAC. For more updates on Eastern Michigan basketball and other sports, follow The Eastern Echo.
