Welcome to Ypsilanti

David Vick — November 3, 2022

It is not common to experience a first after 173 years in existence, but Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will in February 2023. For the first time, EMU will field an NCAA Division One women’s lacrosse team.

The Eagles are led by Sara Tisdale, someone very familiar with starting a new program. She has done so twice; first at Augustana College in 2011, and most recently at Central Michigan University in 2014.

Tisdale and her coaching staff have prioritized building a strong culture that consists of three program pillars: take pride, do it with purpose and do the right thing.

In an effort to construct their desired culture, developing relationships is front and center as the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season.

“I’m a big believer that you cannot have on-field chemistry without solid off-field relationships,” Tisdale said.

When Eastern Michigan takes the field for the first time next year, it will be with the youngest roster in the country. The team consists of 27 freshmen, six sophomores and two graduate transfers.

While such a young roster presents challenges, it also presents a wonderful opportunity in the eyes of Tisdale and her players.

“Knowing I will have my ‘handprints’ on Eastern Michigan Lacrosse in a historical context is very exciting; building this culture and just being a part of this is an opportunity I couldn’t have dreamed of,” freshman midfielder Gina Jaffurs said.

Goalie Gigi Ditsky, another one of the 27 first-year players, shares the same sentiment.

“It is an honor to be one of the firsts; knowing that I can leave a positive impact on this school and the future of the program is one of the reasons I chose to come here,” Ditsky said.

Through their first ever pre-season fall ball, the Eagles have seen improvement as chemistry develops between the lines and in the locker room.

“It is incredible to see how much the team has grown and improved in such a short time,” Ditsky said.

Along with being impressed by her team’s growth on the field, Head Coach Sara Tisdale is equally impressed with the mindset of her players.

“They’ve never backed down from a challenge. We put them up against some really competitive programs this fall,” Tisdale said.

Come February, fans from across the country can expect an EMU team with a tremendous amount of talent that plays with collaborative effort on both ends of the field, according to Tisdale.

“Strength-wise, we are a deep team. We are going to be able to push the pace of play a lot and really focus in on first break and second break,” Tisdale said.

The Eagles have one main goal this season – qualify for the MAC Tournament and see what happens.

“We may be young, but we are working just as hard, and are hungry for competition,” Gina Jaffurs said.