Life at John Cabot University in Rome goes far beyond the classroom. Between building friendships, competing on the basketball court, and exploring Italy’s hidden corners, JCU students find countless opportunities for growth and connection.
Meet Larue Furlani, a Marketing major from Northern California’s wine country. With an early passion for business and global exploration, Larue found her home away from home in Rome. As captain of JCU’s Women’s Basketball Team, she has embraced the spirit of the Gladiators, balancing academics, athletics, and the adventure of studying abroad in Italy.
Larue shares what it’s like to be a student athlete in Rome, the challenges and triumphs of leading a new team, and her advice for future Gladiators looking to make the most of their time at JCU.
Building a Team
When I graduated high school, I thought my days of playing team sports were over. Competing in games with my best friends while playing my favorite sport, basketball, was now just a distant memory. Little did I know that studying abroad at JCU in Rome would lead me back to the court. With a team full of wonderful women, an outstanding coach, and plenty of others to cheer us on, I soon began to encapsulate the Gladiator’s spirit.
During my first semester at JCU, there wasn’t an official team for women’s basketball yet. I tried out for volleyball and played as a middle hitter on the co-ed team. The following semester, I was asked by some JCU staff if I’d be willing to help build a women’s basketball team. Not much later, our team was formed, and we began practicing and playing 3v3 matches.
As captain of the team, playing 3v3 instead of 5v5 matches was a game I was unfamiliar with. You had to cover more of the court and become much faster and defensive. Some of the women had never even picked up a basketball before, but that didn’t stop us from growing and building a strong team. Alongside our coach, my teammates and I developed skills to become dynamic players, and having so much fun while doing so.
Balancing Study and Sports
Upon my arrival in Rome, I was really nervous about my new life; I had just transferred from my previous university in Hawaii and was trying to transition into a completely different lifestyle. I had some uncertainties of how to be more involved in university student life, or if I would even have the time and energy to do so.
Staying physically active with volleyball and basketball was a great way to release my stress and tension from the school day, and have some fun with new friends. I formed great relationships almost instantly through these activities and still continue to share close bonds with once complete strangers. I found that it was easier to balance studying and sports than I had originally thought, and that many other students were at one time in the same situation as me.
Highlights and Memories
Every fall semester, varsity teams at JCU have the privilege to join the teams retreat in Sapri, Italy. This is a weekend full of rigid practices, team lunches and dinners, swimming, sailing, and lots of karaoke! The entire experience is loads of fun, and the best part is spending quality time with all athletes of JCU.
In Fall 2024, we were greeted by the town mayor and other school officials from Sapri’s high school. Their students had the chance to compete with us gladiators in a friendly competition across many sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, and tennis. It was great to meet aspiring young athletes, many of whom will apply to JCU upon their graduation. I look forward to the Sapri varsity retreat this year!
Then in Spring 2025, JCU women’s basketball was selected along with other JCU varsity sports to play at a tournament in Athens, Greece. This was the first time in JCU history that they attended representing a women’s basketball team. The games were long and tough, playing standard 5v5, we learned a lot as a team. More importantly, we all got closer to each other through friendship and bonded together. It was also a time for us to get to know the other teams at JCU and come together as gladiators.
Tips for Future Gladiators
If I can give advice to anyone out there, I would say to step out of your comfort zone and try out for any team here at JCU. There is so much to offer on and off the court, field, gym, you name it.
Being a student athlete not only keeps you in shape physically but exercises you mentally and helps you focus. I sleep better every night with a relaxed nervous system from sports. My diet is better for it, because I am more conscious of what I eat and how healthy foods can boost my abilities as an athlete. If you don’t make the team, most varsity sports will keep you as a reserve, meaning you can be invited to practice upon the coach’s request. There are also plenty of intramural sports that JCU athletics holds, like surfing, cycling, skiing, hiking and so many more. The athletics department here at JCU works really hard to make experiences fun and memorable for us Gladiators.
What I’ve Learned as Captain
Being the captain of women’s basketball at JCU has been extremely gratifying. It is a special feeling to guide my teammates in techniques, warm-ups, or gather everyone for a mid-game pep talk.
What is most rewarding is to be alongside a fantastic group of strong and kind women who uplift each other every day. The assurance that if I need someone, on or off the court, my team has my back. It is comforting to have a family in Rome, even being so far away from home. Trying out for JCU sports was one of the best decisions I have ever made. See you on the court!
Ready to make your own mark as a Gladiator at JCU in Rome?
At John Cabot University, students from all over the world come together to learn, grow, and explore in the heart of Rome. From athletics to academics, every experience builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
If you’d like to learn more about JCU Athletics and student life in Rome, visit our Athletics page or email admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call!
