Maharishi International University (MIU) is launching its first full academic year with a fully developed athletics program, adding new sports, new coaches, and a record number of student-athletes.
Fifty-three student-athletes are now enrolled at MIU, including 24 newcomers this fall. The group represents a wide range of countries, from England and Spain to Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Athletics Director and men’s soccer head coach Rubén Sanchez said the expansion reflects the university’s vision of building a strong, Consciousness-Based sports culture that benefits both the campus and the wider community.
This year marks the introduction of women’s tennis, women’s flag football, and coed esports, joining last year’s launch of men’s soccer and men’s tennis. Flag football has grown rapidly across the country since the NAIA officially recognized it in 2020, and MIU’s program has already attracted standout athletes, including Janae Scott, a member of the USA Women’s Flag Football team. Esports, another fast-growing collegiate activity, will also be a key focus for the program.
MIU has also hired several new coaches:
- Makena Hurse, head coach for women’s flag football, brings years of experience as a player, coach, and referee.
- Caio Pereira, associate head coach for men’s soccer, joins after helping lead Indian Hills Community College to national recognition.
- Emilia Katopodi, women’s head tennis coach, is a former professional player with international experience.
- Eric Enlow, head esports coach, comes with both competitive gaming and classroom teaching expertise.
Alongside recruiting and competition, MIU is pursuing long-term goals such as doubling the number of student-athletes by next year, joining the NAIA and USCAA, adding more sports like basketball, volleyball, and cross country, and upgrading athletic facilities, including the Fieldhouse.
Schedules are already underway, with men’s soccer playing 17 matches this season, tennis opening competition earlier this month, and flag football gearing up for tournaments in the spring. Esports competitions will run throughout the year.
With new sports, international athletes, and an expanding staff, MIU is positioning its “Pioneers” program as both a competitive and community-driven force in college athletics.
Reporting based on original coverage by Craig Pearson and Maria Eduards Rodrigues da Silva, MIU Sports Information & Creative Director.
