After finishing 9-14 overall and 7-3 in the Chagrin Valley Conference last season, the Geneva Volleyball team believes it has the experience and leadership to take the next step in 2026.

Head coach Annah Haeseler enters her 24th season at the helm with three returning starters and four additional letterwinners. The Eagles may have graduated several key contributors, but a senior-heavy roster and talented sophomore class have Haeseler optimistic about what lies ahead.

Veteran Leadership Sets the Tone

Geneva’s roster is built around experience, something Haeseler believes will serve the Eagles well throughout the season.

“I think we will be a strong team and compete with the best in our area,” Haeseler said. “We have many seniors and a strong sophomore support group.”

That veteran leadership will be tested early as Geneva works to replace several important pieces from last year’s squad.

The Eagles graduated their starting setter along with both starting outside hitters, leaving some of the team’s most important positions open heading into preseason camp.

“We graduated a strong setter and both of our starting outside attackers,” Haeseler said. “Looking for some of our younger athletes to develop into that role.”

If those players settle in quickly, Geneva believes it has the talent to challenge anyone on its schedule.

Confidence Will Be the Difference

For Haeseler, success won’t simply be measured by statistics. She wants her team to trust itself, rely on one another and play with relentless effort.

“To be successful this season, we need to play with confidence and to put faith in each other,” she said. “Get the ball to our middle attack and play with grit.”

Maintaining that mindset throughout every match will be equally important.

“Focus on one ball/one play at a time,” Haeseler said. “If we can minimize errors and play with confidence, we will be a threat to any team.”

Projected Starting LineupAttacking the NetRhiley Williams, Senior, Middle

Williams returns as Geneva’s featured offensive weapon after earning First Team All-CVC, Honorable Mention All-District and Second Team All-County honors in 2025. She finished with 188 kills, averaged 2.5 kills per set and added 53 blocks, making her one of the conference’s premier middle hitters.

“Rhiley will be our main weapon this season,” Haeseler said. “She is strong and aggressive, and her volleyball knowledge and experience will be a key factor for our success.”

Julia Trask, Senior, Middle

Trask gives the Eagles another experienced presence in the middle after totaling 27 blocks last season. Her consistency and steady approach provide stability at the net.

“Julia is a smart and focused player,” Haeseler said. “I like that she is a focused player that is not easily rattled. She competes with every team she plays and works hard at all times.”

Daniella Bobish, Senior, Outside Hitter

Bobish is expected to assume a larger offensive role after putting together an impressive offseason. She gives Geneva another physical hitter capable of attacking from the outside.

“Daniella is a strong outside hitter that has worked hard to improve her entire game,” Haeseler said. “She is not only powerful but also smart and puts everything out on the court.”

Giavanna Bobish, Junior, Outside Hitter

Versatility is Giavanna Bobish’s greatest strength. Capable of contributing in multiple roles, she brings athleticism, intelligence, and a competitive mindset to the lineup.

“Gia is a versatile player that can fill in at many positions,” Haeseler said. “She is athletic and smart and is a competitor.”

Kate Butram, Senior, Outside/Right Side

Butram provides experience and leadership while giving Geneva flexibility on both the outside and right side. Staying healthy will be key to maximizing her impact.

“Kate will provide solid support in the outside and right-side positions,” Haeseler said. “She is vocal and a natural leader. If she can stay healthy, she will compete.”

Running the OffenseMadisen Kemp, Senior, Setter

Replacing an experienced setter is never easy, but Kemp has spent the offseason preparing for the opportunity. She’ll be responsible for directing Geneva’s offense and creating opportunities for the Eagles’ talented front-row attackers.

“Madi has worked hard in the offseason to come into the setting role,” Haeseler said. “She works hard and is becoming the leader her team needs to succeed.”

Anchoring the DefenseCora Brace, Senior, Libero

Brace returns as the backbone of Geneva’s defense after totaling 448 receptions, 229 digs and 32 service aces while earning Second Team All-CVC and Second Team All-County honors. Her experience and leadership make her one of the team’s most valuable players.

“Cora will be our libero again this season,” Haeseler said. “She has a calm, in-charge attitude that will help to lead this team. Her volleyball knowledge and experience will be a strength.”

Depth Will Be an Asset

The Eagles also expect meaningful contributions from a deep supporting cast that includes senior setter Addison Goebel, senior defensive specialist Ava Moisio, senior right-side hitter Kendall Collins, senior defensive specialist Haylee Rackley and sophomore setter Adleigh Hart.

That depth should allow Haeseler to mix and match lineups throughout the season while continuing to develop younger players into larger roles.

Outlook

Geneva has the ingredients to be one of the Chagrin Valley Conference’s top teams in 2026.

The Eagles return one of the area’s top middle hitters in Rhiley Williams, one of the conference’s premier liberos in Cora Brace and another experienced middle in Julia Trask. Add a large senior class, improved depth and emerging talent at key positions, and Geneva has the pieces to make a serious run.

If the Eagles quickly develop their new setter and outside hitters while continuing to play with confidence and grit, Geneva has every opportunity to compete for a conference championship and make a deeper postseason run than a year ago.

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Record0-02026-2027 Season

Next Game@ Shaker HeightsAug. 21 • 7:00 PM

Last GameNo result

ScheduleRosterStandingsDateOpponentResultTimeLocationAug. 21, 2026
Friday@ Shaker Heights—7:00 PMShaker Heights HS Stadium FieldAug. 22, 2026
Saturday@ South—10:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 22, 2026
Saturday@ Copley—11:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 22, 2026
Saturdayvs North Olmsted—9:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 27, 2026
Thursday@ West Geauga—6:00 PMWest Geauga High School Main GymAug. 31, 2026
Mondayvs Riverside—6:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 1, 2026
Tuesday@ North—TBANorthSep. 3, 2026
Thursday@ Lakeside—TBALakesideSep. 8, 2026
Tuesdayvs Conneaut—TBAGenevaSep. 8, 2026
Tuesdayvs Conneaut—6:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 10, 2026
Thursdayvs Laurel—6:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 15, 2026
Tuesday@ Madison—TBAMadisonSep. 17, 2026
Thursdayvs Edgewood—TBAGenevaSep. 22, 2026
Tuesdayvs Jefferson—TBAGenevaSep. 24, 2026
Thursdayvs North—TBAGenevaSep. 28, 2026
Monday@ Chardon—6:00 PMChardon High School GymnasiumSep. 29, 2026
Tuesdayvs Lakeside—TBAGenevaOct. 1, 2026
Thursday@ Conneaut—TBAConneautOct. 1, 2026
Thursday@ Conneaut—6:00 PMConneaut High SchoolOct. 6, 2026
Tuesdayvs South—6:00 PMGHS Main GymOct. 7, 2026
Wednesdayvs Madison—6:00 PMGHS Main GymOct. 8, 2026
Thursdayvs Madison—TBAGenevaOct. 10, 2026
Saturday@ Howland—10:00 AMHowland High SchoolOct. 10, 2026
Saturday@ Hoover—11:15 AMHowland High SchoolOct. 13, 2026
Tuesday@ Edgewood—TBAEdgewoodOct. 15, 2026
Thursday@ Jefferson—TBAJefferson