A Remarkable Semester for JCU Gladiators: Victories, Unity, and Celebrations

As we approach the end of a highly intense semester for our Gladiators, we reflect on the outstanding results from last week and the delightful year-end celebration organized by the Athletics Department for all our student-athletes. Beyond the impressive standings of some of our teams – including the provisional first place for Women’s 5v5 Soccer and Men’s Basketball and the second place for Volleyball, as noted by Coordinator Marco Iorio – the most significant achievement lies in the creation of a beautiful extended family, comprised of over 100 souls united by the same spirit, respect for opponents, and camaraderie.

This journey, marked by numerous triumphs, fills not only the administration and staff but also the coaches with pride. These coaches have witnessed students giving their all to grow and improve, creating a legacy of dedication and sportsmanship.

Wom. Soccer: JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY vs SAPIENZA: 9-1
Men’s Soccer: JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY vs LINK CAMPUS: 1-3
Men’s Basketball: UNICAMILLUS vs JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY 39-54
Men’s 5v5 Soccer: JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY VS EUROPEA DI ROMA: 2-4
Volleyball: JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY vs FORO ITALICO: 3-0
Wom. Basketball: Second Game Day vs FORO ITALICO, CAMPUS BIOMEDICO, AUR
Tennis: LUMSA vs JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

Women’s 5v5 Soccer, led by Coach Beatrice Boni, maintains an undefeated first-place position with a resounding 3-0 victory against La Sapienza. Coach Boni expressed, “It was the last match for some girls, and for this reason, the team was tense in the first half. The second half, however, was crucial; we started to have fun, playing more carefree, and secured a victory that ends the year on a high note.” This success was complemented by another stunning performance from our Cheerleading Team, led by Coach Elena Gregori, who braved the hostile weather to uplift our teams and bring home the 3 points!”

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoalsOutcome
JCU279Win
La Sapienza011Loss

MVP: Rylie Hepp

The Men’s Soccer team, coached by Marian and Franceschi, faced a setback against Link Campus with a 3-1 away loss. Coach Franceschi remarked, “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we deserved. The boys played a great first half. With a little more cynicism we could have closed the first half of the game with 2-0. In the second half we certainly paid for the great physical effort made in the first half and the opponents, having nothing to lose, slowly took courage and sought victory with greater insistence. We are truly in a construction phase where we are trying to lay a solid foundation for our future.

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoalsOutcome
JCU101Loss
Link Campus University033Win

MVP: Giordan Halilovic

The Men’s Basketball Gladiators continue to impress, securing a 54-39 victory over Unicamillus. Coach Jose Cano praised the team’s passion and energy, stating, “Was a great win to end the semester, as always our gladiators come out with passion and energy! We as a team figured out how to slow down a good unicamillus team. The game was neck and neck up until the end of the second qtr and from there, with very few bumps along the way, we powered through to the end for a 54-39 win! I want to thank both study abroad’s and degree seekers for a great semester. And for those leaving it’s been an honor and pleasure coaching you guys!

Results

ClubTOutcome
Unicamillus39Loss
John Cabot University54Win

MVP: Christopher Maggiano

Coach Franceschi’s team fought valiantly in soccer against EUROPEA, but it was the opposing team that secured a 4-2 victory. Despite the result, Coach Franceschi expressed pride in the team’s performance: “I am really proud of the performance the team had last night. It is not the result we wished for, but it is a signal that the team has been working well and results will eventually come. With consistency in practices and everyone’s enthusiasm I am sure the team can achieve great things. I am really proud with the team and happy to leave the team under the guidance of the new captain Guastalla“.

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoalsOutcome
JCU022Loss
Europea di Roma314Win

MVPs: Giuseppe Musto & Daniel Guastalla

Our Volleyball Gladiators achieved a resounding 3-0 victory against championship favorites Foro Italico. Coach Livia Di Vincenzo shared, “Yesterday we played the most important match of the semester against the championship favorite, and first in the ranking: Foro Italico University. We started a bit in slow motion in the first points of the first set but once we gained confidence and understood the pace of play of the opponents, we faced the match with continuity and strength, carrying on a very tight match made up of action and point-by-point exchanges. Both teams demonstrated great team spirit and sportsmanship in the face of their opponent’s successes. The 3 sets ended in our favor with the advantage in sets 1 and 3″

Results

Club123TOutcome
JCU2825283Win
Foro Italico2622260Loss

MVPs: Tej Velaga & Christian Penczar

The experimental 3v3 Women’s Basketball team, captained by Minta Caune, faced experienced opponents but gained positive experiences in the spirit of healthy competition and fun. “Great team performance, both on the field and in providing support from the sidelines. This spirit, combined with the notable technical improvements of our players, is truly inspiring. I was confident that this victory would come soon, and now let’s continue in this manner!” said Coach Cano.

Results

ClubTOutcome
JCU Women's Basketball7Loss
Link10Win

MVP: Minta Caune

In their first season, the coed-tennis team celebrated their first victory, defeating Lumsa University 2-1, placing themselves midway in the overall ranking. Coach Marco Iorio commended the group’s performance and technical improvements: “Great team performance, both on the field and in providing support from the sidelines. This spirit, combined with the notable technical improvements of our players, is truly inspiring. I was confident that this victory would come soon, and now let’s continue in this manner!”

Results

ClubGoalsOutcome
Lumsa1Loss
JCU2Win

MVP: Yasmine Orrù

A heartfelt thanks to Pilar Murguia for her constant support, our dedicated coaches, every member of our beloved family, and a special acknowledgment to the departing students who have made significant contributions. Each one of you is uniquely special in your own ways.

Happy holidays and farewell, Gladiators!