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.
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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 Lineup
Attacking the Net
Rhiley 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 Offense
Madisen 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 Defense
Cora 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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2026-2027 Geneva Eagles Volleyball Schedule
Date Opponent Result Time Location Aug. 21, 2026
Friday7:00 PM Shaker Heights HS Stadium Field Aug. 22, 2026
SaturdayL 0-2 10:00 AM South High School Aug. 22, 2026
Saturday
CopleyL 1-2 11:00 AM South High School Aug. 22, 2026
SaturdayW 2-1 9:00 AM South High School Aug. 25, 2026
TuesdayL 0-3 6:00 PM Geneva Aug. 27, 2026
ThursdayL 1-3 6:00 PM West Geauga High School Main Gym Aug. 31, 2026
MondayL 0-3 6:00 PM GHS Main Gym Sep. 1, 2026
TuesdayW 3-2 6:30 PM North Sep. 3, 2026
ThursdayL 1-3 6:00 PM Lakeside Watch Sep. 8, 2026
TuesdayW 3-0 6:00 PM GHS Main Gym Sep. 10, 2026
ThursdayW 3-2 6:00 PM GHS Main Gym Sep. 15, 2026
TuesdayW 3-2 6:00 PM Madison Sep. 17, 2026
ThursdayL 0-3 6:00 PM Geneva Sep. 22, 2026
TuesdayL 0-3 6:00 PM Geneva Sep. 24, 2026
ThursdayW 3-1 6:00 PM Geneva Sep. 28, 2026
MondayL 2-3 6:00 PM Chardon High School Gymnasium Sep. 29, 2026
TuesdayW 3-2 6:00 PM Geneva Oct. 1, 2026
ThursdayW 3-0 6:30 PM Conneaut High School Oct. 6, 2026
Tuesday6:00 PM GHS Main Gym Oct. 7, 2026
WednesdayW 3-2 6:00 PM GHS Main Gym Oct. 8, 2026
ThursdayTBA Geneva Oct. 10, 2026
Saturday
HowlandL 0-2 10:00 AM Howland High School Oct. 10, 2026
SaturdayL 1-2 11:15 AM Howland High School Oct. 13, 2026
TuesdayL 0-3 6:30 PM Edgewood Oct. 15, 2026
ThursdayL 0-3 6:00 PM Jefferson Oct. 22, 2026
ThursdayL 0-3 5:00 PM Beachwood
Shaker Heights
Willoughby South Rebels
North Olmsted
Perry Pirates
West Geauga Wolverines
Riverside Beavers
North Rangers
Lakeside Dragons
Conneaut Spartans
Laurel Gators
Madison Blue Streaks
Edgewood Warriors
Jefferson Falcons
Chardon Hilltoppers
North Canton Hoover
Beachwood Bison
