Geneva Looks to Sustain Momentum

Preseason Outlook

Geneva enters the 2026 season following a strong 13–5 campaign that showed both balance and consistency. With seven rising seniors, eight juniors, and two sophomores expected to contribute, the Panthers return a substantial core despite graduating five seniors from last year’s roster. Their 2025 performance included ten wins by at least five goals and six additional games that fell within five goals, demonstrating their ability to compete in a variety of situations. With 65 percent of goal scoring and 62 percent of assists returning, the team carries meaningful offensive experience into the new season.

Returning Players

Several standout players return after earning postseason recognition in the Finger Lakes East. Attackman Ryland Dunham, a Roberts Wesleyan commit, leads all returning scorers after posting 69 goals and 23 assists. His productivity is complemented by fellow attackman Jack Dunham, who delivered 34 goals and 30 assists, and by midfielder Ben Budgar, who added 13 goals and 20 assists while earning second-team All-League honors.

Midfield support continues with junior midfielder Max Delgado, an All-League third-team selection who contributed 14 goals and six assists. The defense returns strong award-winning talent, including senior defender Colby Lahr, senior LSM/defender Nick Trickler (Oswego commit), and senior defender Gianni Velazquez (Cortland commit). Trickler and Velazquez both earned first-team All-League honors last season, providing crucial experience for a defense that must replace All-League goalie Brent Williams.

Also returning with college commitments already announced are Owen Devaney (Keuka), Colin McGhan (Alfred), and the previously mentioned Trickler, Dunham, and Velazquez. Their future plans reflect both experience and leadership heading into the year.

Coaching Information

Head Coach Jeff Dunham enters his eighth season guiding the program. With a 57–35 record at Geneva, Dunham’s leadership continues to provide stability as the team retools after graduating decorated contributors such as Max Heieck, Dominick Vedora, and Brent Williams. He says, "We are bringing back a solid core at both ends of the field and look forward to the challenge of the season. While we graduated some key pieces, we are confident that our returning players and newcomers are up to the challenge."

Games This Year

The 2026 slate includes several Finger Lakes East matchups that will shape the conference picture. Geneva faces Newark on April 23 and Livonia-Avon-Geneseo on April 30, both league contests. Non-league opponents include Greece Storm, Aquinas, Waterloo, and Bloomfield-Honeoye. Last season, Geneva played competitive league games, including a one-goal win over Livonia-Avon-Geneseo and a close loss to Pal-Mac, while their non-league schedule offered a broad mix of challenges. The upcoming schedule again provides a blend of familiar league competition and varied non-league opponents.

Statistical Overview

Geneva scored 239 goals in 2025, averaging 13.3 per game while allowing 121 goals for an average of 6.7. The Panthers’ offense was productive and efficient, and the defensive unit held opponents to single digits in many contests. With a large portion of scoring production returning, the team enters 2026 with a statistical profile that supports both continuity and potential improvement.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

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