With four returning starters and two other returning letter-winners, Geneva’s volleyball team has great potential entering the 2023 season.
The Eagles finished 9-13 overall and 3-5 in the Chagrin Valley Conference last season and this year will compete in the newly revamped CVC Lake Division.
“Our team has much potential, eight seniors with great experience,” said Geneva coach Annah Haeseler. “We have some young players on this team who fill key roles. The mix of experience, athleticism, and drive is what will take our team far this season.”
Geneva won’t be without challenges this fall.
The Eagles graduated their libero, setter, and a key right-side hitter.
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“I think we have multiple people this year who can and will fill those roles,” Haeseler said. “Filling in at libero will be a duo of seniors. Ava Sartini and Bailey Evangelista have worked hard to fill that role. Ella Haeseler and Hannah Costello will be taking on the setting responsibilities as well as the right side. Our reserves this year are stronger and more experienced, making this team stronger than last year. I am looking forward to a great year.”
Senior outside hitter Sydney Park returns to the starting rotation after earning first-team All-CVC honors last fall.
She recorded 147 kills, 103 digs, and 36 service aces leading to a Team MVP award.
“Sydney will again be our team captain and our go-to player,” Haeseler said. “She led our offense last year, and we will look for her to continue that leadership role. Sydney is quick and has become such a smart player.”
Senior middle hitter Brooke Richmond also returns after earning second-team All-CVC honors.
She recorded 117 kills and 38 aces.
“Brooke comes in this season with huge improvements in the middle attacker position,” Haeseler said. “She plays big and has grown into her own. She has a ton of experience, and we are looking for her to lead the middle attack.”
Sartini will play libero and defensive specialist.
“Ava will take on a new role as a defensive player,” Haeseler said. “Her communication and on-court demeanor are her strengths. She plays with fire and drive, and I am looking forward to her embracing this new role.”
Costello and Ella Haeseler will set. Haeseler also will play on the right side.
“Hannah is one of our setters this year. One of the hardest-working athletes in our gym, she leads by example and brings a ton of experience to our team,” Coach Haeseler said. “Ella finishes off our lineup as our other setter and right-side attacker. Ella comes into the season in shape and ready to play. Her block is a strength, and we are hoping she stops some very strong outside attackers in our conference this season.”
Seniors Carlee Biery, Makayla Davis, and Alyssa Palmisano, sophomore Claire Cafaro, and freshman Rhiley Williams will contribute to Geneva’s front row attack.
Biery is an outside hitter, Davis is a middle, and Palmisano is a right side.
“Carlee continues to improve each season, and this year she brings power to our outside attack. Her experience and strong attack will be a huge presence for Geneva this season,” Haeseler said. “Makayla is a key reserve for us this season. She will fill in at the middle and at backside this season. Makayla has a strong block and a strong swing at both positions. Alyssa will be a key reserve for us this season on the right side. Alyssa is strong and always willing to play any position. A selfless team player, Alyssa brings a strong swing and a strong block to our backside.”
Cafaro and Williams are middles.
“Claire will be a reserve player for us in the middle/right side position. A natural athlete, Claire has a solid swing and a huge block. She is fast, jumps high, and will fill in as needed this season,” Haeseler said. “Rhiley has stepped up to take a spot on the court in the middle. She is strong, jumps well, and is going to be a presence in the middle. I’m excited for her future in this sport.”
Senior Bailey Evangelista and sophomore Brooke Wright will help anchor the defense. Wright also will see time at outside hitter.
“Bailey will play as a defensive specialist this season. She works hard, gives her all, and will fill in at many positions in the back row,” Haeseler said. “Brooke is a utility player who will be used at many positions this year. She has a strong attack, a strong defensive play, and just an overall smart volleyball player. She will fill in as a DS and as an outside this season.”
