Head Coach - Alan Sumner
Alan Sumner has been Geneva's head baseball coach since 1988, making the 2026 season his 38th season leading the Golden Tornadoes. During his career, which is the longest in Geneva College history, he has reached some significant milestones, like becoming the only Geneva coach in any sport to reach 700 victories. With an overall record of 714-749-4, Sumner has won more games as a Geneva coach than any other coach in any sport. He earned his 700th victory on 3/12/2025, defeating Penn State Beaver 21-9.
Sumner began his Geneva career as a student-athlete. He still holds the school record for 183 consecutive games played. After graduation, Sumner became an assistant coach with the Golden Tornadoes prior to taking over as the head coach for one season in 1988 before taking over the reins for good in 1990.
During his tenure, Sumner has led Geneva to a pair of NAIA World Series appearances and numerous trips to the NCCAA nationals.
“We have built something very special at Geneva College,” said Sumner. “We have a great group of guys who have experienced success based on their hard work and dedication. It is very rewarding to see that hard work pay off with success on the field. “
After his undergraduate work at Geneva, Sumner moved on to the U.S. Sports Academy where he received his master's in Sport Management. Sumner continues to work in that field as a teacher in Geneva's sport management major.
“We have a great thing going on at Geneva,” said Sumner. “I have been around this campus for a long time and I am convinced that Geneva is a tremendous place for student-athletes to grow in all aspects of their lives.”
Sumner's baseball team has continued to grow and prosper throughout his tenure at the helm. “We take pride in having our teams compete at a very high level. But we also demand student-athletes with great character and a commitment to academics. Our job as coaches is to develop these athletes in more than just x's and o's. We feel as though we are making a difference in the lives of these young men, both in athletics and in life.”
Sumner and his wife Linda, the former Geneva women's soccer coach, reside in Chippewa Township.
