Geneva enters the 2026 season with a clear identity: experienced, competitive, and ready to take the next step in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division.

After finishing 5-13 overall and 5-5 in league play last season, the Eagles bring back five starters and seven lettermen, giving them a veteran foundation to build upon.

“This year we have an older, more experienced group that is going to compete and surprise some folks,” said head coach JT Fobell. “The expectation is to compete every day and win the conference.”

With improved consistency at the plate and a strong returning pitching staff, Geneva believes it has the pieces to turn close games into wins and push toward the top of the standings.

Veteran Core Sets the Tone

Geneva’s strength starts with experience across the diamond. Seniors Nick Kustala (C), Logan Rustic (3B), and Kenton Fobell (OF/P) provide leadership, while a deep junior class fills key roles both offensively and defensively.

Players like Brendon Fobell (1B/P), Ryland Besco (SS/P), Kaiden Cotrell (2B), Nate Hutchins (OF/P), Bryce Junker (OF/P), and Andrew Winchell (DH) give the Eagles versatility and continuity.

That experience should translate into better execution in key moments—something Geneva lacked at times a year ago.

Pitching and Defense Lead the Way

Geneva’s biggest strength lies on the mound and in the field, where depth and athleticism stand out.

“Pitching and defense are the strengths of the team,” Fobell said. “There is depth in the rotation and athletic guys sprinkled across the diamond.”

The Eagles feature a deep rotation led by Brendon Fobell, Besco, and Rustic, with additional arms in Junker, Kenton Fobell, and Nate Hutchins. That depth allows Geneva to stay competitive throughout the week and manage innings over a long season.

Defensively, the combination of experience and athleticism should help limit mistakes and keep games within reach.

Finding Consistency at the Plate

If Geneva is going to take the next step, it will come down to offensive consistency.

“The last couple of years, consistency at the plate has been the biggest challenge,” Fobell said. “Having our guys mentally ready, relaxed, and confident will contribute to our success this year.”

The Eagles emphasize situational hitting, especially in two-out scenarios, as a key area for improvement.

“To be successful, we must pitch, hit, field, and run the bases well,” Fobell said. “If we throw strikes, minimize errors, limit extra outs and at-bats for the other team, and consistently hit, especially with two outs, we will put ourselves in a position to win ball games.”

Projected LineupC: Nick Kustala (Sr)1B: Brendon Fobell (Jr)2B: Kaiden Cotrell (Jr)SS: Ryland Besco (Jr)3B: Logan Rustic (Sr)LF: Nate Hutchins (Jr)CF: Bryce Junker (Jr)RF: Kenton Fobell (Sr)DH: Andrew Winchell (Jr)

Pitching Rotation

Brendon Fobell (Jr)Ryland Besco (Jr)Logan Rustic (Sr)Bryce Junker (Jr)Kenton Fobell (Sr)Nate Hutchins (Jr)Outlook

Geneva has the experience, depth, and defensive strength to make a serious push in the CVC Lake Division. If the Eagles can find consistency at the plate to complement their pitching, they have the potential to turn last year’s .500 conference record into a championship run.