Wesley Burns Takes Reins of Geneva High Girls Soccer

Coaching Roots and Journey

Wesley Burns, a longtime soccer figure in the Geneva area, brings extensive experience to his new coaching role. After excelling in high school soccer and wrestling at Evansville Central High School in Indiana, he earned the Kiwanis leadership award as a varsity captain. Burns later attended the University of Southern Indiana, where he played club soccer and rugby while earning a degree in English. His coaching career began with rec league teams in Ohio after moving in 2009, and he guided a girls travel squad from 2018 through 2024.

Stepping Into the Eagles’ Office

Burns replaces James Restad, who led Geneva High’s varsity girls to an 8‑8‑2 overall record and a 4‑0‑1 finish in the 2025 Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division. Restad also earned the Ashtabula County Girls Soccer Coach of the Year honor. Restad and assistant Brent Carrick suggested Burns apply for the job after the 2025 season, and recommendations from parents and fellow coaches helped confirm the hire. Burns described watching Restad and Carrick shape the program as a key factor in his decision to take over.

Building a Young Squad

The incoming roster is dominated by freshmen and sophomores, making depth and work ethic the cornerstones of the new season. Burns highlighted six seniors—Alexis Ross, Jayla Reigert, Gia Palmisano, and Kenley Sheppard among them—as players who have impressed with their leadership. He plans to implement a possession‑based style that emphasizes quick passing and relentless pressing. The goal is to cultivate gratitude and a strong team identity while slowly integrating the younger talent.

Goals for the Field

Burns aims for a winning season and at least one playoff victory, viewing those milestones as a foundation for future success. He wants the Eagles to be recognized as a high‑pressure team that commands respect across the conference. He believes the program’s future hinges on both coaching quality and player development, noting that Geneva’s youth soccer infrastructure and the SPIRE academy provide a solid pipeline. Burns hopes to continue the legacy built by Restad and Carrick, ensuring the local girls soccer scene stays strong.

Local Impact and Future Outlook

Geneva’s girls soccer scene is thriving, supported by a robust youth program and several competitive schools in the Chagrin Valley Conference. The transition from Restad to Burns marks a continuation of that growth, with Burns pledging to nurture the next generation of players. His vision aligns with the broader trend of investing in high school athletic development in the region. Fans and local stakeholders can expect a program that blends experience with fresh enthusiasm as Burns works to elevate the Eagles.