EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s Women's Hockey team has made history in its inaugural season. The team finished with an 18-0-1 record and secured the No. 2 spot  in the Central Region of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 2 rankings. With this dominant performance, the team has been invited to the national championship tournament.

The addition of women’s hockey to EMU’s club sports program has provided student-athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level while fostering community and school pride.

“Adding this team to the club sports program has strengthened campus engagement, fostered leadership development, and enhanced the overall student experience through sport, said Brett Carlisle, coordinator for the Sports Programs and Special Events at Eastern. “Head Coach Taylor Costella and her staff have done a great job getting them where they need to be, and I am excited to see where they will be going in the future.”

Despite having one of the smallest rosters in the league, with just 10 players, the team has defied expectations. Players represent a variety of academic backgrounds, majoring in fields such as exercise science, criminology, and earth science.

Women’s Hockey Team Head Coach Taylor Costella and Associate Head Coach Leah Mousigian joined forces to help grow women's hockey in Michigan. Their leadership has led to a dominant first season and created a supportive, family-oriented environment that allows players to thrive.

“EMU offers a strong academic experience, and we take pride in supporting our student-athletes in balancing school and hockey successfully,” said Costella. “Our players have battled adversity together, proving that our strong culture and team-first mentality can outmatch even the toughest opponents.”

In addition to their unbeaten 18-0-1 record, the team’s achievements include:

• Ranked No. 1 in Central Region in the first four ACHA Division 2 rankings released this season
• Ranked No. 2 in Central Region in latest ACHA Division 2 rankings released this season
• Wins over multiple historically strong ACHA D2 teams that have competed at Nationals
• A 4-0-0 record against ACHA D1 teams

“From the beginning, Leah and I wanted to create an environment where players could rediscover their love for the game while competing at a high level,” said Costella. “Many players have had experiences in the past that caused them to feel burnt out or overlooked, and we’ve worked hard to provide a supportive and competitive space where they can thrive.”

For many players, joining EMU’s Women’s Hockey team has been a transformative experience, both on and off the ice.

“Coming to Eastern and playing hockey has truly shown me what determination and perseverance can do,” said Abby Tumpach, a criminology student at Eastern. “I have gained friends that I have grown close to. The program has also shown me how a positive mindset can make a difference.”

“This hockey program has allowed me to continue playing a sport I love,” said Avery Rutherford, a psychology student at Eastern. “Our team philosophies have allowed me to gain another family. I strongly believe that our outstanding success is a result of our team’s countless hours of hard work and determination. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.”

The coaches have major plans for accelerating the program and attracting new talent.

“With our ACHA Division 1 acceptance, we aim to continue growing a program that is competitive and supportive,” said Mousigian. “No matter how far we go, we will always continue to have a family-first motto to build a positive team culture. Our players were recruited with this concept in mind, and they work hard for each other. “

“With this hockey program being new, many people had doubts; I even had some myself at first,” said Sam Sitterly, a psychology major at Eastern. “During my first year, I’ve learned that even if the odds are stacked against you, hard work, perseverance, determination, courage, and teamwork can help you achieve your goals. With this program, I found more than just a team that gels. I found another family.”

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.