After finishing 10-15 overall and placing third in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division last season, the Geneva Eagles enter the 2026 campaign looking to take a step forward with a mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers.

Head coach Eleshia Pitcher returns six starters and seven lettermen from last year’s team, including a group of seniors who have helped establish the tone early in the preseason.

“I see this season being very exciting and a lot of fun,” Pitcher said. “I return four seniors who are very determined and doing a great job guiding the underclassmen the entire time, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh around them.”

Those returning players provide Geneva with valuable experience, while a group of freshmen is expected to immediately contribute.

“I return seven lettermen from last year, all who have worked very hard in the offseason to get better,” Pitcher said. “We have also added four freshmen who are very eager to take the field and fill some huge holes we had last year. We have added some pitching and catching depth and strengthened our outfield. I think once we put it all together, this team will do very well.”

The Eagles believe one of their biggest advantages this spring will be the way the roster plays for one another.

“Our team chemistry and how they always pick each other up and help each other out,” Pitcher said.

At the same time, Geneva knows there are areas that must improve if the Eagles want to climb the standings this season.

“We just need to keep building confidence,” Pitcher said. “We need to communicate better and not second-guess ourselves.”

If Geneva can accomplish that, the Eagles believe the results will follow.

“We need to get over our nerves and believe we can win,” Pitcher said.

Experienced Leaders Anchor the Lineup

Senior catcher Addelynn Sheppard will again be a key presence behind the plate after earning Second Team All-County honors, CVC Honorable Mention, and the team’s Golden Glove Award last season. Sheppard hit .219 with a .342 on-base percentage and posted a .988 fielding percentage while leading the defense.

“Addie brings a spark to the team with her never-give-up attitude,” Pitcher said. “She has worked really hard on her hitting this winter and is always solid behind the plate. She recently committed to Mount Union to continue her softball career.”

Senior second baseman Gianna Markijohn also returns as one of the Eagles’ most consistent players after batting .351 with a .385 on-base percentage last year.

“Gianna is one of the most solid second basemen I have seen and is a tough out at the plate,” Pitcher said. “Her attitude and effort inspires everyone around her to never give up.”

Junior shortstop Caidyn Siegel was Geneva’s most productive hitter in 2025, batting .481 with a .539 on-base percentage and 14 stolen bases while earning Second Team All-CVC infield honors and Third Team News-Herald recognition.

“Caidyn is one of the most determined players I have seen,” Pitcher said. “She is a very tough out at the plate, and her pitching has improved immensely over the past year.”

Junior Cora Brace returns at first base after hitting .276 with a .417 on-base percentage last season.

“Cora returns for a second year at first base with a very solid glove and also swings a great bat,” Pitcher said. “Cora always gives 110 percent, and failing isn’t an option for her.”

Strength in the Outfield

Senior Claire Cafaro highlights the Eagles’ outfield after batting .390 with a .453 on-base percentage and stealing 15 bases last season. She also posted a .961 fielding percentage while earning First Team All-County and Second Team All-CVC honors.

“Claire’s attitude and effort are unmatched this year,” Pitcher said. “She is always pushing everyone around her to be the best they can. She is one of the best outfielders I have had come through my program. She makes catches that most would not get to.”

Senior Kailyn Cerjan, last year’s team MVP, will again play a key role in left field after hitting .240.

“Kailyn just keeps getting better,” Pitcher said. “She has proved herself to be one of our team leaders. She always leads by example, is working hard, and pushing everyone around her to be better.”

Freshman Alyvia DeGroodt is expected to step into the lineup in right field.

“Alyvia fills the missing piece we had in our outfield,” Pitcher said. “She has a great glove and will also provide some power to our lineup.”

Fresh Faces Join the Infield

Freshman Ella Walker is projected to start at third base while also serving as the team’s backup catcher.

“Ella, who is also our backup catcher, is new to third base, but she has embraced it and is learning it very quickly,” Pitcher said. “She also brings some power to our lineup.”

Pitching Depth Adds Options

Geneva will feature multiple options in the circle this season, led by freshman Morgan Hunt, who is expected to take on a significant role.

“I am very excited to have Morgan on the mound and in my lineup this year,” Pitcher said. “She is the entire package and has worked very hard to get where she is today.”

Siegel will also contribute as a pitcher after posting a 4.785 ERA last season.

“Caidyn’s pitching has improved so much since last year,” Pitcher said. “I am excited to see what she can do this year. She only sits at No. 2 because she’s hard to take off of short.”

Freshman Sophie Acord provides another young arm for the Eagles.

“Sophie is one of our four freshmen and is working very hard to improve her mental game,” Pitcher said. “I look for great things from her this season.”

Markijohn can also take the circle when needed.

“Gianna brings a different speed and pitches to the mound,” Pitcher said. “We only use her if we absolutely have to.”

Outlook

With a strong senior class, productive returning hitters, and a talented group of freshmen stepping into key roles, Geneva hopes its improved depth and team chemistry will translate into success this spring. If the Eagles can develop confidence early and play with the belief their coach is emphasizing, they could quickly become a dangerous team in the CVC Lake Division.