Wow. It’s been a year full of EIU athletics. From football’s performance against Indiana State to the women’s basketball 100-point game against Morehead State, here are my top 10 moments from the 2024-2025 year. 

10. Abby Reinl’s late goal against Southeast Missouri State

Reinl’s late goal to help the Panthers secure the win over SEMO was one that showed off Reinl’s craft. Reinl shot outside of the box and with her non-dominant foot. For Reinl to still make that goal, that showed a lot of talent. This game was also the first conference game the team won in the 2024 season. 

9. Sophia Olman’s walk-off home run against University of Southern Indiana

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love to watch a walk-off home run. This one by Olman obviously solidified the win for the Panthers, but I felt like it was an energy boost to move on into the second game of the doubleheader. Eastern ended up sweeping USI, and it was definitely one of my favorite moments of the academic year. 

8. Football’s dominant performance against Western Illinois

Eastern’s 45-38 win over Western Illinois truly felt like a revenge game in a way. Obviously for the in-state rival portion, but the fact that Joe Davis, Eastern’s former offensive coordinator, left to be the head coach for the Leathernecks, it just added to the drama. This was also the point of the season where I saw how good Isaiah Houi was. After a controversial call disqualified NiJhay Burt, Houi stepped in and provided a fresh face to the defense throughout the game. 

7. Terry McMorris’ sequence against SEMO

I like calling this “The Terry Sequence.” With the shot clock winding down, McMorris shot a three-pointer buzzer beater, showing off his versatility and overall basketball IQ to know the clock was running down. Not even 30 seconds later, Artese Stapleton stole the ball and threw it up to McMorris. McMorris shot the layup and recorded the and-one to practically seal the win in Eastern’s last game of the season. 

6. EIU softball’s care game against USI

For this game, emotions were already high, and this was an intense match. The Panthers defeated the Screaming Eagles 5-2 to kick off the series. Hatton hit a two-run home run to help the Panthers secure the win. I think what made this game so special to me was the team’s tribute to Briana Gonzalez and her dad, Dave. It was very sweet, and it did tug at my heartstrings. 

5. EIU football’s home opener against Indiana State

After the 45-0 loss to University of Illinois, I had a feeling Eastern’s football team was going to play with vengeance…and that’s what they did. Throughout the game, you got to see the depth the team had in the wide receivers’ room (pinkies up), and the defense recorded three interceptions. And who doesn’t love a good firework show after a win? 

4. NaKyel Shelton’s 38 points against Morehead State

Yes, I know the Panthers ended up losing the game, but Shelton had such a dominant performance throughout the game. I think what made this even more impressive for me was that Shelton was sick days before this game, and he put up this performance on national television. I would easily consider this a “flu game” of some sort. 

3. EIU’s 100-point game against Morehead State

Eastern’s women’s basketball team had such a strong season, and truthfully, this was one of my favorite games to watch. The fact that everyone on the team scored made the whole performance 10 times better in my eyes. Shoutout to Georgia Cox too. She dropped 18 points, going five for five behind the arc. 

2. Alex Tetteh’s hat trick against University of Illinois-Springfield

This hat trick by Tetteh was the first one within the program since 2012. A hat trick, lets just admit it, is very difficult to do. Tetteh scoring all the goals in the team’s win against University of Illinois-Springfield showcased her talent and craft, and it was amazing to watch. 

1. Lalani Ellis’ game winner against USI

This has to be my favorite moment of the whole year, hands down. This was already a competitive game against both teams, and it looked like it was going to come down to a last second shot. With 11 seconds left in regulation, Ellis drove to the basket and recorded the and-one to secure the 51-49 win over the Screaming Eagles. 

Zaria Flippin can be reached at 581-2812 or at zhflippin@eiu.edu.