- Sports Awards
The Sports Award is given to those students who have made an outstanding contribution to JCU Sports and Recreation. It is awarded to students who have exceeded in all areas of athletics: administration work, volunteering, practicing sports as well as demonstrating commitment and sportsmanship at all times.
Carolina Myriam Miller – 2024
Nicholas Modlin – 2022
Flaminia Giacomi – 2021
The 2021 Sports Award is a testament to an exceptional three-year student-athlete career and the remarkable contributions made to JCU Sports and Recreation. Flaminia has emerged as a pivotal leader on the court, serving with distinction as the Volleyball Team Captain and proudly representing JCU in competitions both in Rome and across Europe. Furthermore, she has exhibited professionalism and reliability in her role within the JCU Athletics office. Flaminia’s dedication, commitment, and eagerness to engage with our Department make her truly deserving of this award.
Veronica Rusich – 2019
Marco Fortuna – 2018
The Sport Award for 2018 goes to Marco Fortuna, a student who has brought nothing but excellence to JCU Athletics. He began working with us during the Fall 2014 semester and gradually emerged as the leader of our student assistant crew, playing a strategic role during our orientation weeks. Not only was he the ideal student worker every supervisor hopes for, but he consistently demonstrated energy and dedication while representing JCU in University of Rome tournaments. Starting on the 11 vs 11 soccer team, he eventually became the captain of our 5 vs 5 team, elevating our JCU colors to a higher level each year. A skilled midfielder, both on and off the field, he is always ready to tackle and adept at providing quality passes to his teammates.
Valeria Muzzin – 2017
Valeria has been a member of the women’s soccer team since her very first semester. She clinched the first JCU soccer championship three years ago and has been our team captain since last year. Taking on this significant responsibility, especially as we had to completely rebuild the team from scratch, she handled the challenge admirably. Through her leadership and dedication, she played a crucial role in forging a fantastic group, which currently leads the University championship. Valeria wasn’t just an outstanding captain, but also one of the finest student workers the Athletics Department has ever seen. Her daily commitment and professionalism make Valeria a point of reference for her colleagues and a dependable presence for her supervisors. Her love for Athletics shines through, and her passion has greatly influenced her peers and contributed to the growth of the Gladiator Spirit.
Lucio D’Alessandro – 2016
Lucio D’Alessandro is a Gladiator with a contagious smile, genial personality, and sometimes a touch of craziness! He has contributed significantly to the Athletics department, leveraging his excellent graphics and social media skills acquired at JCU. However, his most valuable assets are his positive attitude and spirited approach. Lucio has introduced numerous ideas and spearheaded various projects, ranging from organizing Hip-Hop classes to orchestrating Flash Mobs at student life parties. From earning the title of 2015’s Volleyball MVP to assuming the role of Athletics Social Media coordinator, he has left a lasting impact on JCU’s sports and social scene.
Davide Menci – 2015
Davide Menci has been an integral part of the “Dream Team” that secured John Cabot’s inaugural sports championship. His success extended beyond the field to the office, where he played a pivotal role for years. Davide actively engaged both degree-seeking and study-abroad students in various activities and programs during orientations and throughout the semesters. Leveraging his expertise in marketing studies, he played a significant role in modernizing departmental communication, revolutionizing our approach. Davide exemplifies the Gladiator Spirit in every aspect of his contributions.
Fares Moussa – 2014
Fares, a Lebanese national Muay Thai champion, made a significant impact on the John Cabot University community. Throughout his tenure at JCU, Fares actively engaged in various sports and dedicated himself to the Athletics Department. Additionally, he established the “JCU Martial Arts Club,” which achieved notable success by winning several competitions in Italy. Fares’ contributions both on and off the field exemplify his commitment to sportsmanship and community involvement.
Victoria Di Castro Horn – 2014
Victoria is a versatile athlete, excelling as a regional Hammer Throw champion. In both 2013 and 2014, she achieved top-10 rankings in hammer throwing, earning her a spot at Nationals each year. Beyond her prowess in track and field, Victoria contributed to the Lady Gladiators Soccer Team and served at the JCU Athletics Department for four years, showcasing her dedication to sports and community involvement.
Luke Norian – 2013
Luke Norian, from the class of 2013, was deeply engaged in the activities provided by the athletics department at John Cabot University. Not only did he actively participate, but he also took on roles as an instructor, teaching courses and leading the running club. Luke’s involvement has established him as a cornerstone of the community, setting a standard for creating a dynamic and engaging environment within the John Cabot community.
Players of the Year – 2023/2024
Since 2013, the Athletics Department of John Cabot University has honored the best player of each team with an award called Player of the Year.
 Federico Lanfranconi Sophomore COED Tennis |  Emily Morrissey Class of 2024 Women’s Soccer |
 Elif Vitobello Sophomore COED Volleyball |  Matteo Bartolini Sophomore Men’s Soccer |
 Christopher Maggiano Freshman Men’s Basketball |  Daniel Guastalla Junior Men’s Futsal |
 Bendetta Carli Freshman Cheerleading |
Players of the Year – 2022/2023
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| Antonia Gomez Class of 2023 Volleyball | Kirsten Mauer Study Abroad Student Women’s Soccer |
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| David Davitaia Class of 2024 Basketball | Gabriele Lanzafame Class of 2023 Men’s Soccer |
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| Caroline Miller Class of 2023 Cheerleading | Edoardo Biagini Class of 2023 Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2021/2022
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| Mara Peruzzi Study Abroad Student Volleyball | Valentina Gozzi Class of 2023 Women’s Soccer |
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| Noah Salah Study Abroad Student Basketball | David Maehle Class of 2024 Men’s Soccer |
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| Jasmine Schwaller Study Abroad Student Cheerleading | Erick Valencia Class of 2024 Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2019/2020
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| Flaminia Giacomi Class of 2020 Volleyball | Rose Stackhouse Study Abroad Student Women’s Soccer |
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| Claudio Buratti Class of 2023 Basketball | Jose Pablo Ortega Class of 2020 Men’s Soccer |
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| Caroline Miller Class of 2023 Cheerleading | Edoardo Prosperi Class of 2022 Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2018/2019
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| Flaminia Giacomi Class of 2020 Volleyball | Shanna Keil Study Abroad Student – Willamette University Women’s Soccer |
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| Luke Morrisroe Study Abroad Student – University of Southern California Basketball | Giorgio Castellani Class of 2020 Men’s Soccer |
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| Kennedy Lightbourne Class of 2021 Cheerleading | Fernando Royuela Class of 2022 Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2017/2018
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| Flaminia Giacomi Class of 2020 Communication Major Volleyball | Maria Vittoria Albezzano Class of 2018 Communication Major Women’s Soccer |
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| Giggs Kgonamotse Kgole Class of 2020 Art History Major Basketball | Jose Pablo Ortega Class of 2019 International Business Major Men’s Soccer |
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| Caroline Liquit Class of 2020 International Business Cheerleading | Ricardo Solano Class of 2019 International Business Major Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2016/2017
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| Veronica Rusich Class of 2019 International Affairs Major Volleyball | Katelynn Cunningham Class of 2019 History Major Women’s Soccer |
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| Martin Luna Class of 2017 Study Abroad Student Basketball | Riccardo Vallese Class of 2017 Business Administration Major Men’s Soccer |
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| Sheryl Ragnetti Class of 2020 Marketing Major Cheerleading | Pietro Sopranzi Class of 2019 International Affairs Major Men’s Futsal |
Players of the Year – 2015/2016
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| Roberta Falvo International Affairs Major Class of 2016 Volleyball | Maria Martynovych Business Administration Major Class of 2017 Women’s Soccer |
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| Alessandro Mazzarisi Business Administration Major Class of 2016 Basketball | Matteo Nertempi Business Administration Major Class of 2016 Men’s Soccer |
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| Sara Ruiz Study abroad student – University of Hawai’i Spring 2016 Cheerleading | Mohamed Haddad Business Administration Major Class of 2018 Men’s Futsal |
| Players of the Year – 2014/2015 | |
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| Lucio D’Alessandro Business Administration Major Class of 2016 Volleyball | Maria Martynovic Business Administration Major Class of 2017 Women’s Soccer |
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| Mattia Matteucci Business Administration Major Class of 2016 Basketball | Sergio Romano Business Administration Major Class of 2016 Men’s Soccer |
| Players of the Year – 2013/2014 | |
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| Nicolas Cash Kessler Business Administration Major Class of 2015 Volleyball | Sabrina Scaletti Business Administration Major Class of 2015 Women’s Soccer |
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| Cesare Cacciapuoti Economics and Finance Major Class of 2013 Men’s Soccer | Alexander Clemetson Study Abroad Student – Saint Norber College Spring 2014 Basketball |
