Gladiators Night 2025: Celebrating 20 Years of Spirit, Tradition, and Excellence

News

On September 30th, John Cabot University came alive with excitement as the JCU community gathered for Gladiators Night 2025, an unforgettable evening celebrating the past, present, and future of Gladiators Athletics.

This year’s edition of Gladiators Night was especially meaningful, as it marked 20 years of the Gladiators and 20 years of President Franco Pavoncello’s leadership. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of JCU to honor two decades of sporting excellence, school spirit, and community building.

Fall 2025 Teams Unveiled

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the official rosters for the Fall 2025 season. With 202 students (a new record!) participating in this year’s tryouts, the selection process showcased the extraordinary enthusiasm and talent of our aspiring athletes. Congratulations to all those who made the final rosters, and sincere appreciation to every student who gave their best effort to proudly represent JCU.

The night also featured the official presentation of all Varsity Teams, who were welcomed with cheers and applause as they prepare to carry the Gladiators’ name onto courts, fields, and arenas this season.

Spirit and Performances

The evening’s energy soared thanks to a dynamic performance by the Cheerleading Team, who embodied the spirit and passion of the Gladiators. Their routine, together with the surprise appearance of the Gladiators Mascot, electrified the crowd and reminded us all of the power of unity and school pride.

Special Guests and Recognition

We were honored by the presence of President Franco Pavoncello, who shared this milestone with us as he celebrated his 20th anniversary as President of JCU and 20 years of Gladiators history. Joining him were Dean of Students Lisa Guido, Dean of Academics Stefano Arnone, Associate Dean of Students Pilar Murguia, and Student Government President Sebastian, who each contributed to the evening’s spirit of recognition and celebration.

Honoring Gladiators Ambassadors

Athletics Coordinator Marco Iorio took the stage to recognize five remarkable alumni with the Gladiators Ambassadors Award, honoring their pivotal contributions to the growth and history of JCU Athletics.

  • Sheryl Ragnetti, JCU’s first-ever cheerleader, who helped establish the foundation of the Cheerleading Team.
  • Caroline Liquit, the University’s second cheerleader, who helped elevate and expand the program in its early years.
  • Veronica Rusich, a historic leader and pillar of the Coed Volleyball Team.
  • Giuseppe Musto, the first tennis player in JCU’s history and a pioneer of the University’s first Tennis Team.
  • Valerio Morisi, the first soccer player, founder of the Gladiators, and visionary who first dreamed of creating the Gladiators identity and building a lasting athletics program in 2004. Morisi not only shaped the concept of “Gladiators” but also imagined the biggest university sports tournament Rome had ever seen.

Their legacies are reminders of the passion, perseverance, and creativity that continue to define JCU Athletics today.

Looking Ahead

Gladiators Night 2025 was more than just a celebration; it was a reminder of what it means to be a Gladiator—to work hard, to compete with pride, to build community, and to honor those who paved the way.

As we look ahead to another exciting season, we carry with us the traditions of the past, the energy of the present, and the vision for an even brighter future.

💙 Once a Gladiator, always a Gladiator.