Lucia Mansilla Medina ’25
Jersey City, known for its vibrant tapestry of cultures and languages, stands out as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, making Saint Peter’s University an especially welcoming home for those from abroad who are seeking new opportunities and challenges. Among them are 54 international student-athletes eager to excel both in their sports and in the classroom. Their unique backgrounds and shared commitment to excellence not only enhance the University’s athletic programs but also contribute to the rich diversity that defines this remarkable city.
Perhaps none has made more of an immediate impact this season than Lucia Mansilla Medina ’25, whose eight assists for the women’s soccer team placed her third among NCAA student-athletes nationwide entering the month of October. Four of those assists came in a single game, a 5-0 victory over Delaware State University that put the Peacocks over .500 for the season.
For Mansilla Medina, a Spanish midfielder from Madrid, known affectionately to her teammates and classmates as Lula, assists are more rewarding than goals because they allow her to contribute to the team’s collective success, rather than focus on her own.
“I’m a player that loves team sports. I wouldn’t enjoy playing something like tennis or any individual sport,” she said. “The part I love most about soccer is the team. As a midfielder, I have to be the one passing the ball, distributing it and having the vision for the play. And I love making assists.”
Mansilla Medina has been passionate about both soccer and the arts from a young age. When it came time to balance her two passions, she found that opportunities to pursue both were limited in Europe. This led her to make the bold decision to come to the U.S., where she could continue playing soccer while pursuing her academic aspirations.
Cleopatra Diakou ’27
“I wanted to come to America because in Europe, it’s a bit difficult to combine studies and sports. You have to choose if you want to play professional soccer, basketball, or any sport, or if you want to pursue a degree. So, I decided to come here to try and do both.”
Saint Peter’s has proven a perfect destination for student athletes from abroad. In return, the University gains international perspective in its classrooms, clubs and organizations, and alumni groups.
“Our international student-athletes embody the spirit of global competition, bringing diverse cultures and perspectives to their sport while pursuing academic excellence,” said Director of Athletics Katie Acuri. “Their resilience and dedication not only enhance their teams but also enrich the entire University community and Jersey City.”
Off the field, Mansilla Medina has embraced her life in Jersey City, a place she calls “the most diverse city in the world.” She especially appreciates the support from other international students, particularly those who share her Spanish heritage, and she has built a tight-knit community with her teammates, many of whom are also from Europe.
In the classroom, Mansilla Medina is equally passionate about her studies in visual arts, with a particular focus on painting and photography. She dreams of one day opening her own art gallery, where she can exhibit diverse forms of art and give a platform to local artists. Another student-athlete who is finding a new home in Jersey City is Cleopatra Diakou ’27, a volleyball player and business major from Cyprus, who began her collegiate athletics career at a college in Nebraska before finding her way to New Jersey.
“When I first came to America, I saw corn fields,” she joked. “Here, it’s nice to see people from Europe or other places that I can relate to because they’ve left home and experienced what I’ve experienced, coming here and adjusting to a new culture.” Diakou, who transferred to Saint Peter’s from Ramapo College, is a key player for the Peacocks. She began playing volleyball at the age of 13 and quickly found her role as a setter, a position Diakou has continued to excel in throughout her career. In her first semester at Ramapo, she made an immediate impact, helping the program go 25-2 and win a conference championship. When her coach, Fernando Colon, accepted the position of head women’s volleyball coach at Saint Peter’s, Diakou followed him to Jersey City.
Francesca Vargas ’27
“It’s great that Saint Peter’s offers opportunities to international students to come to America, because going to America from Europe is a big deal—it’s not something small,” she said. “Getting scholarships to come play in the U.S. is a huge opportunity for international students.”
COMPETING AGAINST THE BEST
Competing in the United States also allows student-athletes to compete against the best. Swimmer Francesca Vargas ’27 competed in the national championships in her native Mexico when she was 13, but even with that pedigree she was surprised by the average speed of her competition when she first arrived stateside. Vargas specializes in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke events and is aiming to set new personal bests this season. The student-athlete experience has been especially rewarding for Vargas, who praised the sense of community she feels in the pool and among her classmates and instructors.
“Everyone is very professional and kind, and I feel comfortable talking to them and asking questions. They are always willing to help,” she said. “As for the team, I find it cool how connected we all are. Everyone is on the same track, helping one another. I really feel the joy and unity at Saint Peter’s.”