Eastern Michigan University to Add Women’s Lightweight Rowing

Eastern Michigan University will add women’s lightweight rowing as its newest varsity sport, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. This expansion commemorates the 25th anniversary of EMU rowing and will bring Eastern’s total number of varsity sports to 20, including 13 women’s programs. It also represents EMU’s first addition of a women’s sport since lacrosse began competition in 2022-23.

“It’s a privilege to be at a university that truly values rowing and is actively expanding opportunities for the sport and for women,” said EMU head coach Kemp Savage.

The announcement follows the Mid-American Conference’s decision that women’s rowing will become a sponsored MAC championship beginning in 2025-26. EMU will be joined by fellow MAC institutions Toledo and UMass, along with affiliate members Delaware, High Point, and Temple. The first MAC Championship is scheduled for spring 2026.

Eastern Michigan will serve as host of the MAC Championships at the EMU Rowing Course on Ford Lake for at least the first three years. Opened in April 2024, the championship-caliber venue is the result of a partnership between Eastern Michigan, Destination Ann Arbor, Marriott Eagle Crest, and Ypsilanti Charter Township. Designed by Olympic course architect Tim Royalty, the $487,000 submergible course features eight competition lanes, floating launch and recovery platforms, and the capacity to host regional, national, and international events. National competitions have the potential to generate $1.5–$3 million in local economic impact.

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