Making History: Giu Ricciotti to Represent MIU at First-Ever USCAA National Championship
A historic milestone is ahead for Maharishi International University Athletics. Women's Cross Country student-athlete Giu Ricciotti is set to represent the Pioneers at the 2026 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Cross Country National Championship, held November 6–7 at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania.
This marks the first time in MIU Athletics history that a student-athlete from any sport will compete at a USCAA National Championship, making Ricciotti's participation an important moment for the entire Pioneer Athletics community.
A transfer student-athlete, Ricciotti brings previous collegiate cross country experience to MIU. In addition to her contributions to Women's Cross Country, she is also one of the top players on the MIU Women's Soccer team, representing the university across two athletic programs.
For Ricciotti, this opportunity carries special meaning. After narrowly missing the national championship last season, she is excited to finally have the chance to compete on the national stage.
"I'm really happy for this opportunity. Last year, I trained really hard but ended up missing Nationals by a very small margin. It was a difficult experience for me at the time for several reasons. This year, I feel more confident and more at ease going into the competition. I believe a lot of that comes from MIU's philosophy. I'm excited to put into practice everything I've worked on during these past several months," Ricciotti shared.
As she prepares for the championship, Ricciotti knows that the challenge will involve more than just physical preparation.
"Running has always been something I've enjoyed. My preparation has been more mental than physical. I saw that the course is hilly, which can be very tiring on the legs, so I think the mental side of the race will make a big difference," she added.
Head Coach Rafael Muniz, who is in his first year at MIU overseeing both Women's Soccer and Cross Country, expressed how proud he is to have witnessed Ricciotti's dedication throughout every practice this season.
"I'm incredibly proud of Giu and the dedication she has shown throughout this season. I've had the opportunity to see her commitment at every practice, and seeing her earn this opportunity is very rewarding. This is a historic moment for MIU Athletics, and I'm excited to support her as she represents our university on the national stage."
Demonstrating that commitment, Coach Muniz will personally drive from Fairfield, Iowa, to Pennsylvania to accompany Ricciotti and ensure she can compete at the national championship. His support reflects the department's commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities to grow, compete, and represent the Pioneer community.
The 2026 USCAA Cross Country National Championship will be a two-day event, taking place November 6–7 at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania. The championship will bring together collegiate cross country athletes from across the country to compete at the national level.
As MIU Athletics celebrates this historic first, the department is already looking toward the future of its Cross Country program. Recruitment for upcoming seasons is underway, as the Pioneers continue working to grow the program and create more opportunities for student-athletes.
MIU Athletics also welcomes businesses and community partners interested in supporting the Pioneers and sponsoring the program during this historic national championship appearance. Those interested in partnership opportunities can contact Head Coach Rafael Muniz at rafaelde.araujo@miu.edu.
One athlete, two athletic programs, and one historic opportunity. Giu Ricciotti is ready to carry Pioneer Pride onto the national stage, marking a new chapter in the history of MIU Athletics.
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