On September 30, the John Cabot University community came together in Aula Magna at the Guarini Campus for one of the most anticipated traditions of the year: Gladiators Night.
The event officially welcomed the student-athletes selected for the Fall 2026 varsity season and celebrated the values that define the Gladiators program: commitment, leadership, teamwork, and school pride.
With athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters gathered under one roof, the evening marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Gladiators family.
Opening Remarks: More Than Just Sport
The night opened with welcoming remarks from university leaders, including Dean of Academics Nicolas James Startin, Dean of Students Lisa Guido, Associate Dean of Academics Pilar Murguia, and Student Government President Katarina Kierkegaard.
Drawing from his own experiences as a football and cricket player growing up in the United Kingdom, Dean Startin spoke about the importance of combining academics and athletics. He highlighted how participating in sports while pursuing a university degree helps students develop discipline, resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships.
Student Government President Katarina Kierkegaard reflected on the power of sports to bring people together, emphasizing how the bonds created through shared challenges, victories, and experiences often last well beyond graduation.
Dean Lisa Guido welcomed the student-athletes to the new season and reminded them of the privilege and responsibility of representing John Cabot University. She encouraged every team member to take pride in wearing the Gladiators colors and wished them success both on and off the field throughout the year.
Associate Dean Pilar Murguia congratulated the athletes on earning their spots on the varsity teams following two weeks of highly competitive tryouts that saw more than 170 students participate. She encouraged the new Gladiators to take pride in their achievement and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Honoring Our Gladiators Ambassadors
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of two outstanding alumni as this year’s Gladiators Ambassadors.
Representing two very different journeys within the world of sports, both ambassadors shared a common message: the lessons learned through athletics continue to shape careers, relationships, and personal growth long after graduation.
Claudio Buratti: From Gladiator to NCAA Division I Coach
Joining live from the United States, Claudio Buratti reflected on his journey from John Cabot University basketball player to Assistant Coach of the University at Albany Women’s Basketball Team, competing in NCAA Division I.
During an engaging conversation with the audience, Claudio shared insights into his coaching career, the lessons he still carries from his time as a Gladiator, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from athlete to coach. He encouraged current student-athletes to embrace every opportunity, stay committed to their goals, and never underestimate the impact sport can have on their future.
Most importantly, he reminded everyone that the experiences and relationships built during their university years often become the foundation for future success.
Domiziana Mazzoni: Excellence Beyond the Court
The audience then welcomed Domiziana Mazzoni, Class of 2018, whose athletic career brought her to the highest levels of Italian volleyball and beach volleyball, including competition in Serie A.
Although university competition rules prevented her from competing as a Gladiator during her student years, Domiziana has always remained a proud member of the JCU community.
Sharing stories from her professional career and current role as a sports executive with Julia Volley, Domiziana spoke about the qualities that young athletes need to reach their full potential: dedication, consistency, resilience, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve.
She also highlighted the many opportunities available within the sports industry beyond professional competition, encouraging students to explore careers in sports management, administration, marketing, and leadership.
The evening concluded with the presentation of an official Gladiators polo to Domiziana and a standing round of applause for both ambassadors.
Their stories served as a powerful reminder that sport is about much more than results. It is a vehicle for growth, character development, and lifelong opportunity.
Presenting the Fall 2026 Gladiators Teams
Following the Ambassador presentations, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for: the official introduction of the Fall 2026 Gladiators Varsity Teams.
One by one, the teams took the stage to be recognized and celebrated:
- Men’s Basketball
- Women’s Basketball
- Running
- Men’s Soccer
- Women’s Soccer
- Tennis
- Track
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
As each team stepped onto the stage, athletes proudly posed for official team photographs, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year of competition and growth.
The presentations culminated with a memorable group photo featuring all varsity athletes, coaches, ambassadors, cheerleaders, and the Gladiators mascot, a visual representation of the strength and unity of the Gladiators family.
Looking Ahead: The Varsity Retreat
Before concluding the evening, athletes participated in the mandatory pre-departure meeting for the upcoming Varsity Retreat.
Every year, the retreat serves as a foundational experience for Gladiators student-athletes, offering opportunities to build stronger relationships, reflect on personal and team goals, and prepare for the season ahead.
The retreat is more than a preseason tradition. It is a chance for athletes to develop as leaders, strengthen team culture, and deepen their understanding of what it means to represent John Cabot University.
A Toast to a New Season
The evening concluded with a toast celebrating a new academic year, a new generation of Gladiators, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
As friends, teammates, coaches, administrators, and alumni gathered together before the opening of the buffet, there was a shared sense of optimism for the season to come.
The message of Gladiators Night was clear: being a Gladiator means more than competing for victories. It means supporting one another, striving for excellence, building lasting friendships, and proudly representing the values of John Cabot University wherever the journey may lead.
With the 2026-2027 season officially underway, the future looks bright for this new generation of Gladiators.
Here’s to new beginnings, unforgettable memories, and another year of excellence.
Go Gladiators! ⚔️💙
