In his first year at John Cabot University, Massimo Gargiulo steps into his first official coaching role after a long and competitive playing career.

As Head Coach of the JCU Coed Volleyball team, he brings experience, curiosity, and ambition to the program. We sat down with him to talk about his transition from player to coach and his vision for the season ahead.

This is your first year at JCU and your first real experience as a coach. What motivated you to take on this new role after many years as a player?

This role has always intrigued me. Coaching is full of responsibility and challenges, and that’s exactly what motivates me to continuously test myself. Stepping into this position gives me the opportunity to grow, learn, and push myself beyond what I experienced as a player.

How has your background playing up to the Italian Serie C shaped your approach to coaching a mixed university team?

Playing volleyball at a high level has helped me deeply understand the dynamics of the game, both technically and tactically. Just as important, it taught me how to manage group dynamics, which are especially complex and unique in a sport like volleyball—particularly in a mixed team environment.

What has surprised you the most about coaching at the university level so far?

I was genuinely surprised by the very high technical level. I didn’t expect it at all, and it was a very positive surprise. Even though this isn’t a federated league, it is definitely a highly competitive championship.

How would you describe the team’s attitude and potential this season?

The team I found is made up of athletes who are, above all, men and women with strong values. That’s something I’m extremely proud of. From a technical standpoint, the potential is high, and I believe there’s still a lot that hasn’t been fully expressed yet.

As a new coach, what are the main goals you hope to achieve—both for yourself and for the team?

The main goal is to qualify for the Champions University League. I truly believe in the high potential of this team, and in my opinion, that potential is still largely untapped. Personally, I want to continue growing as a coach while helping the team reach levels that reflect their true abilities.

Go Gladiators 💙🏐