{"id":113085,"date":"2026-08-08T12:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T12:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/113085\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T12:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T12:25:13","slug":"geneva-eagles-volleyball-preview-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/113085\/","title":{"rendered":"Geneva Eagles Volleyball Preview 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Head coach Annah Haeseler<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Veteran Leadership Sets the Tone<\/p>\n

Geneva\u2019s roster is built around experience, something Haeseler believes will serve the Eagles well throughout the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we will be a strong team and compete with the best in our area,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cWe have many seniors and a strong sophomore support group.\u201d<\/p>\n

That veteran leadership will be tested early as Geneva works to replace several important pieces from last year\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n

The Eagles graduated their starting setter along with both starting outside hitters, leaving some of the team\u2019s most important positions open heading into preseason camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe graduated a strong setter and both of our starting outside attackers,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cLooking for some of our younger athletes to develop into that role.\u201d<\/p>\n

If those players settle in quickly, Geneva believes it has the talent to challenge anyone on its schedule.<\/p>\n

Confidence Will Be the Difference<\/p>\n

For Haeseler, success won\u2019t simply be measured by statistics. She wants her team to trust itself, rely on one another and play with relentless effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be successful this season, we need to play with confidence and to put faith in each other,\u201d she said. \u201cGet the ball to our middle attack and play with grit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maintaining that mindset throughout every match will be equally important.<\/p>\n

\u201cFocus on one ball\/one play at a time,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cIf we can minimize errors and play with confidence, we will be a threat to any team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Projected Starting LineupAttacking the NetRhiley Williams<\/a>, Senior, Middle<\/p>\n

Williams returns as Geneva\u2019s 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\u2019s premier middle hitters.<\/p>\n

\u201cRhiley will be our main weapon this season,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe is strong and aggressive, and her volleyball knowledge and experience will be a key factor for our success.\u201d<\/p>\n

Julia Trask<\/a>, Senior, Middle<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cJulia is a smart and focused player,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daniella Bobish<\/a>, Senior, Outside Hitter<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniella is a strong outside hitter that has worked hard to improve her entire game,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe is not only powerful but also smart and puts everything out on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giavanna Bobish<\/a>, Junior, Outside Hitter<\/p>\n

Versatility is Giavanna Bobish\u2019s greatest strength. Capable of contributing in multiple roles, she brings athleticism, intelligence, and a competitive mindset to the lineup.<\/p>\n

\u201cGia is a versatile player that can fill in at many positions,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe is athletic and smart and is a competitor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate Butram<\/a>, Senior, Outside\/Right Side<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cKate will provide solid support in the outside and right-side positions,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe is vocal and a natural leader. If she can stay healthy, she will compete.\u201d<\/p>\n

Running the OffenseMadisen Kemp<\/a>, Senior, Setter<\/p>\n

Replacing an experienced setter is never easy, but Kemp has spent the offseason preparing for the opportunity. She\u2019ll be responsible for directing Geneva\u2019s offense and creating opportunities for the Eagles\u2019 talented front-row attackers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadi has worked hard in the offseason to come into the setting role,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe works hard and is becoming the leader her team needs to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anchoring the DefenseCora Brace<\/a>, Senior, Libero<\/p>\n

Brace returns as the backbone of Geneva\u2019s 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\u2019s most valuable players.<\/p>\n

\u201cCora will be our libero again this season,\u201d Haeseler said. \u201cShe has a calm, in-charge attitude that will help to lead this team. Her volleyball knowledge and experience will be a strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

Depth Will Be an Asset<\/p>\n

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

That depth should allow Haeseler to mix and match lineups throughout the season while continuing to develop younger players into larger roles.<\/p>\n

Outlook<\/p>\n

Geneva has the ingredients to be one of the Chagrin Valley Conference\u2019s top teams in 2026.<\/p>\n

The Eagles return one of the area\u2019s top middle hitters in Rhiley Williams, one of the conference\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

More Volleyball Coverage From OhioVarsity.com<\/p>\n

\n

Record0-02026-2027 Season<\/p>\n

Next Game@ Shaker HeightsAug. 21 \u2022 7:00 PM<\/p>\n

Last GameNo result<\/p>\n

Schedule<\/a>Roster<\/a>Standings<\/a>DateOpponentResultTimeLocationAug. 21, 2026
Friday@ \"\"\"\"Shaker Heights<\/a>\u20147:00 PMShaker Heights HS Stadium FieldAug. 22, 2026
Saturday@ \"\"\"\"South<\/a>\u201410:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 22, 2026
Saturday@ Copley<\/a>\u201411:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 22, 2026
Saturdayvs North Olmsted<\/a>\u20149:00 AMSouth High SchoolAug. 27, 2026
Thursday@ \"\"\"\"West Geauga<\/a>\u20146:00 PMWest Geauga High School Main GymAug. 31, 2026
Mondayvs \"\"\"\"Riverside<\/a>\u20146:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 1, 2026
Tuesday@ \"\"\"\"North<\/a>\u2014TBANorthSep. 3, 2026
Thursday@ \"\"\"\"Lakeside<\/a>\u2014TBALakesideSep. 8, 2026
Tuesdayvs \"\"\"\"Conneaut<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaSep. 8, 2026
Tuesdayvs \"\"\"\"Conneaut<\/a>\u20146:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 10, 2026
Thursdayvs \"\"\"\"Laurel<\/a>\u20146:00 PMGHS Main GymSep. 15, 2026
Tuesday@ \"\"\"\"Madison<\/a>\u2014TBAMadisonSep. 17, 2026
Thursdayvs \"\"\"\"Edgewood<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaSep. 22, 2026
Tuesdayvs \"\"\"\"Jefferson<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaSep. 24, 2026
Thursdayvs \"\"\"\"North<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaSep. 28, 2026
Monday@ \"\"\"\"Chardon<\/a>\u20146:00 PMChardon High School GymnasiumSep. 29, 2026
Tuesdayvs \"\"\"\"Lakeside<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaOct. 1, 2026
Thursday@ \"\"\"\"Conneaut<\/a>\u2014TBAConneautOct. 1, 2026
Thursday@ \"\"\"\"Conneaut<\/a>\u20146:00 PMConneaut High SchoolOct. 6, 2026
Tuesdayvs \"\"\"\"South<\/a>\u20146:00 PMGHS Main GymOct. 7, 2026
Wednesdayvs \"\"\"\"Madison<\/a>\u20146:00 PMGHS Main GymOct. 8, 2026
Thursdayvs \"\"\"\"Madison<\/a>\u2014TBAGenevaOct. 10, 2026
Saturday@ Howland<\/a>\u201410:00 AMHowland High SchoolOct. 10, 2026
Saturday@ Hoover<\/a>\u201411:15 AMHowland High SchoolOct. 13, 2026
Tuesday@ \"\"\"\"Edgewood<\/a>\u2014TBAEdgewoodOct. 15, 2026
Thursday@ \"\"\"\"Jefferson<\/a>\u2014TBAJefferson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After finishing 9-14 overall and 7-3 in the Chagrin Valley Conference last season, the Geneva Volleyball team believes…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":113086,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[7],"tags":[55106,55107,55108,55109,55110,21087,16611,55111,55112,65,10793,55113,55114,55115,55116,55117,55118,55119,55120],"class_list":["post-113085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-geneva","tag-2026-cvc-volleyball-preview","tag-addison-goebel","tag-adleigh-hart","tag-annah-haeseler","tag-ava-moisio","tag-chagrin-valley-conference","tag-cora-brace","tag-cvc-volleyball","tag-daniella-bobish","tag-geneva","tag-geneva-eagles","tag-geneva-volleyball","tag-giavanna-bobish","tag-haylee-rackley","tag-julia-trask","tag-kate-butram","tag-kendall-collins","tag-madisen-kemp","tag-rhiley-williams"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ch\/117059881033639767","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113085"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113085\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/113086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}