Jeff Eisenbrandt never imagined he would be coaching varsity softball at Genoa.

Eisenbrandt, who coached jayvee softball at Anthony Wayne in 2008, Perrysburg in 2009 and 2010, and has coached summer travel softball for the Wizards organization for the last several years, said he “wasn’t looking” for a new coaching job when he received a phone call from his good friend Martin Drain, the director of the Wizards fastpitch softball organization.

“I wasn’t actually looking,” said the first year head coach. “It was just an opportunity that came my way.  Martin Drain called me and said Genoa was looking for a coach.”

Julie Swartzmiller slides into base safely. (Photo courtesy of Innovations Portrait Studio)

The idea intrigued Eisenbrandt and he decided to apply and was hired. And what a great opportunity it has been for Eisenbrandt.

“It’s been really good so far. The people all treat me very good out there. It’s a very close knit community and very pleasurable.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Eisenbrandt said.

Eisenbrandt has embraced his players and says they have been a great group to work with.

“We get along well. I focus a lot on leadership and self-discipline. They have responded quite well. I’m happy with it.  It makes it easier because they’re all coachable and talented.”

As of Wednesday, the Comets sat at 7-3 (2-1) and were tied for second place in the league. After starting the season off with an 8-3 loss to City League powerhouse Clay, the Comets have won seven of nine games and “are getting better each day,” according to Coach Eisenbrandt.

“The girls want to win the last SLL title — especially with all of these seniors.”

Eisenbrandt has been blessed with every coach’s dream — a roster stocked with 10 experienced seniors.

“All of my players work hard. It helps with all of this experience. They feed off of one another and they know how each other play the game. And it gives them an advantage and increased confidence,” Eisenbrandt said.

He is pleased with every aspect of his team, including the senior leadership, but it’s hard not to be pleased with the offense. Currently, the Comets offense is torching opposing pitching as six regulars are hitting well above .300.

Left fielder Harlee Hummel leads the SLL in several categories, including batting average (.629) and home runs (2). In ten games this season, Hummel is 22-35 and leads the Comets with 13 RBI and 11 runs scored.

Senior catcher Olivia Reeder is hitting .467 in 30 at-bats. Rachel Johnson is third on the team in batting average (.435) and three players are hitting well above .300: Kayla Pickard (.375), Hannah Morrison (.351), and Julie Swartzmiller (.344).

Genoa’s potent offense and veteran leadership has certainly lightened the weight on the shoulders of talented sophomore pitcher Mackenzie Hoyles. Hoyles is 6-3 and has posted a 1.93 ERA in 10 outings this season, while striking out 38 in 58 innings of work.

“All of her hard work has really paid off,” said Eisenbrandt. “She will only get better as time goes on.  Because of all of our experience, she knows she can depend on her team to back her up.

“Having a team that is that experienced gives her the confidence to know that if she does get hit, the defense and bats will back her up.”

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