Over the past two weeks, John Cabot University’s varsity teams have delivered unforgettable semifinal performances across multiple competitions, showcasing resilience, growth, and a relentless competitive spirit. Now, with finals ahead in nearly every sport, the entire JCU community has a chance to witness something truly special at the last round of Universities of Rome Championships.
Volleyball: A Performance to Remember
On Wednesday, April 1, our coed volleyball team stepped onto the home court for their second playoff match against Sapienza Sport Team, and delivered one of their strongest performances of the season.
Playing with confidence, intensity, and cohesion, the team reached a level that reflected months of hard work and perseverance.
Head Coach Massimo shared his pride after the match:
“Tonight’s match repays us for all the sacrifices we’ve made throughout the year. Even though the results were often not in our favor, we never gave up and we went through an important process of improvement that has deservedly brought us to compete in a final. Now all focus on the final, I’m sure we’ll be ready. Let’s go win it, come on!”
With their place secured in the Europa League Final, the team now shifts full focus to the ultimate goal: fighting for 1st place.
Women’s 5v5 Soccer: One Last Battle Ahead
Last Monday, our women’s 5v5 soccer team faced Link Campus University away from home in the Champions League semifinals.
It was a demanding and hard-fought match. Despite their effort and determination, the result means the team will now compete for 3rd place.
Coach Beatrice reflected on the performance:
“I am so sorry about the result, but you fought and supported each other until the end and I’m proud of you for that. Now we still have one last battle to face to win a medal: let’s believe in it! 💪🏽💙”
The mission isn’t over yet. One more match stands between the Gladiators and a podium finish.
Men’s Soccer: Making History in Silence
While the women battled away, our men’s soccer team took to the home field for their own Champions League semifinal against UniCamillus.
In a balanced and intense match, the Gladiators secured a crucial 1-0 victory, earning their place in the final for the league title.
This marks a historic milestone: for the first time ever, JCU’s men’s soccer team is not only competing in the Champions League, but fighting for the championship itself.
The coaching staff chose to keep celebrations measured and focused. Coach Ion stated:
“For this match I won’t add comments or announce any MVP. I want my players to keep their mind free.”
All attention is now on the final.
Tennis: Grit, Nerves, and a Ticket to the Final
On Tuesday, April 14, it was the turn of our coed tennis team, and they did not disappoint.
Facing LUMSA at home in the Champions League semifinals, the tie unfolded in dramatic fashion. Charlize Caro battled fiercely but fell short against a top opponent, while Max Novak delivered a dominant performance to level the single matches score at 1-1.
Everything came down to the mixed doubles.
Vittoria Caroli and Luca Verzellesi started strong, claiming the first set. After a tightly contested second set went to LUMSA, the match was pushed to a decisive third set, and ultimately, a tie-break.
What followed was pure tension, adrenaline, and determination. The Gladiators held their nerve and clinched victory, securing a historic place in the final.
Coach Giordano summed it up perfectly:
“FINALS BOUND! 🎾🔥 JCU reaches the tournament finals! A true team victory, the perfect crowning of an incredible season played at the highest level by all our athletes. The highlights: 🚀 Max dominates his singles match with a flawless performance: absolute control and the first point secured. 💪 Charlize fights like a lioness against a top-tier opponent, leaving the court with her head held high after a true battle. 🏆 The masterclass by Vittoria and Luca: they delivered a monster performance in the deciding doubles match. Grit, heart, and nerves of steel on the crucial points! We’re in the final! So proud of this team. 🔵⚪️”
Finals Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
The Gladiators now prepare for an extraordinary finals weekend:
Friday, April 17
6:00 PM – Coed Volleyball (Europa League Final) vs LUMSA @ Palatiziano
7:30 PM – Women’s Basketball (3rd Place Final) vs Link Erasmus @ Palatorrino
Saturday, April 18
9:00 AM – Women’s 5v5 Soccer (3rd Place Final) vs Link Foro Italico @ Salaria Sport Village
11:00 AM – Men’s Soccer (Champions League Final) vs Link Campus @ Salaria Sport Village
11:00 AM – Coed Tennis (Champions League Final) vs Link Campus @ Salaria Sport Village
More Than Just Results
The Gladiators are rewriting the history of varsity sports at John Cabot University.
Behind every result is a story of commitment: late-night practices, early morning classes, long study sessions after exhausting matches, and the constant challenge of balancing academics with athletics.
Being a student-athlete is never easy. Excelling at it is even harder.
To all our athletes: your dedication, resilience, and mindset set you apart, not only in competition, but in your academic and future professional journeys. These experiences are shaping strength, discipline, and character that will last far beyond the field of play.
As an athletics community, we do not take any of this for granted. We are proud, deeply proud, of everything you have achieved.
One Last Step
Now, all eyes are on the finals.
We encourage the entire JCU community to come out and support our teams as they represent the university with sportsmanship, passion, and pride.
Transportation will be provided for both players and supporters, so keep an eye on our social media and Gladiators arena booking system, to secure your spot on the bus.
You’ve already made history, but don’t stop dreaming now.
