Eastern Michigan University’s women’s basketball team is set for a meaningful weekend as it prepares for a crucial home matchup against the University of Toledo on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will feature multiple initiatives celebrating the impact of women in sports, raising awareness for breast cancer research, and honoring past EMU players during Alumni Weekend.
The weekend coincides with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, an annual observance recognizing the contributions of female athletes. Head coach Sahar Nusseibeh emphasized the importance of sports in shaping young women into future leaders.
"Sports are incredible. And I'm really passionate as a woman leading young women who get to serve as role models for our future generation of female athletes and female leaders," she said. "You can look at all the studies. When girls are involved in sports at a young age, they go on to do great things as leaders in the business world, as mothers. So sports are extremely instrumental in the development of confidence in women, young women in particular, and little girls. So really excited."
Young athletes can participate in pregame clinics hosted by EMU’s lacrosse, rowing, dance, and baseball teams to mark the occasion.
"If you're a little kid, whether you're a girl or a boy, I mean, boys are welcome too to National Girls and Women in Sports Day. But if you're a young person coming into George Gervin GameAbove Center, that's just a wow experience," Nusseibeh said. "And then the atmosphere of the basketball game and then the clinic afterwards, it's gonna be a great day." A post-game autograph session with the team will also occur, and early clinic participants will receive a free pink t-shirt supporting the Play4Kay initiative.
Saturday’s game will also serve as EMU’s annual Play4Kay event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The event honors the legacy of former NC State head coach Kay Yow, who battled breast cancer and established the Kay Yow Foundation to support those affected by the disease.
"I was fortunate enough to meet Kay Yow before she passed last year. We played NC State, and what an incredible woman and what a strong woman. And she showed so much strength and resilience through her fight, and she inspired so many," she said. "And this foundation is really incredible in terms of the money it raises to find a cure. There are so many people, not just women, affected by cancer, but Play for Kay is something that's near and dear to our hearts because we do have so many women who are affected by breast cancer. And so raising awareness, raising money is an extremely important thing."
Adding to the weekend’s significance, nearly 30 former EMU women’s basketball players will return for Alumni Weekend. A special alumni game will be held on Friday night, bringing past Eagles back onto the court for a friendly competition.
"It's incredible, and we're so grateful that so many of them have chosen to come back," Nusseibeh said. "I think as you become an adult and you go on post-college, you get busy. And so the fact that we have close to 30 women coming back to their alma mater, to where they built such a strong foundation of this program, it's absolutely incredible."
Nusseibeh has prioritized reconnecting with alumni, even inviting them for coffee to hear their stories. She sees this weekend as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between past and present players.
"I call it bridge building—building the bridge between the present and the past so that our present knows who came before them and can honor them with how hard they compete," she said. "I think once you know them as people and you've built those relationships, it makes your experience that much more special. And I know, being a former student-athlete, how important it is to feel connected to your alma mater. And that's extremely important to us."
With only five home games left in the season, the team looks to finish strong and create lasting moments with the support of their fans.
"Our women work extremely hard," Nusseibeh said. "And it's always so nice for them to see when the lights come on, people supporting. It means the world to them. And so if you can make it the last five games, [we'd] love to have you out at the George Gervin GameAbove Center."
Tickets for the remaining home games can be purchased at EMUEagles.com/tickets. Follow The Eastern Echo for more updates on Eastern Michigan basketball and other sports.
