From October 2 to 4, the JCU Gladiators Varsity Teams Retreat brought more than 100 student-athletes, coaches, and Athletics staff members together in the beautiful coastal town of Sapri for a weekend dedicated to training, team building, and community.
What began as a preseason retreat quickly became one of the highlights of the semester, strengthening the bonds that unite our Gladiators both on and off the field.
Hosted at Resort Petrasia, our athletes had the opportunity to step away from their daily routines in Rome and immerse themselves in an environment designed for both athletic development and personal connection. Representatives from all eight varsity teams, including Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Cheerleading, Volleyball, and Track, spent three days training, competing, and sharing experiences that will help shape the season ahead.
The retreat was about much more than practices and workouts. Throughout the weekend, athletes participated in team activities that encouraged collaboration, communication, and trust. Whether training together, supporting one another during challenges, or simply enjoying time by the sea, our Gladiators embraced the values that define our community: commitment, respect, and teamwork.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the warm welcome we received from the local community. The collaboration with the town of Sapri, IIS Leonardo da Vinci High School, Professor Gerardo Ferrara, the staff Pizza House, and of the Circolo Nautico of Sapri that organized both the water-sports activities and the special dinner on Saturday, the Krav Maga of Salerno that contributed in the event about the bullying and gender violence, and the dedicated high school students who helped organize and accompany our visit allowed our athletes to experience the city beyond its sports facilities. Their enthusiasm, hospitality, and professionalism made everyone feel at home from the moment we arrived.
The weekend also offered an opportunity to discover the beauty of the Cilento coast. Thanks to the support of Sapri, our student-athletes enjoyed sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and spent time exploring the stunning natural surroundings of the area. These moments created lasting memories while giving our students a chance to enjoy one of Southern Italy’s most picturesque destinations.
On Saturday evening, the entire delegation gathered for a special event and dinner hosted by the sailing club “Circolo Nautico Sapri“. It was a celebration of the friendships, connections, and shared experiences built throughout the retreat. Athletes from different teams came together as one Gladiators family, reminding us that our strength lies not only in individual performances but also in the community we create together.
For many of our student-athletes, especially those joining John Cabot University from around the world, weekends like Sapri represent one of the most unique aspects of the Gladiators experience. The combination of competitive athletics, cultural immersion, and international friendships reflects what makes our program so special. Here, teammates become lifelong friends, and sporting experiences become opportunities for personal growth and cross-cultural exchange.
As we returned to Rome, our teams came back stronger, more connected, and more motivated than ever. The retreat reinforced the spirit that drives the Gladiators community and provided the perfect foundation for a successful season ahead.
Thank you, Sapri, for your hospitality, your energy, and for making this retreat such a memorable experience. We’ll cherish the memories, the friendships, and the lessons learned until we meet again. 💙
Go Gladiators
