MOSCOW, Idaho -- The University of Idaho Track & Field/Cross Country program is thrilled to announce the first signee of the 2023 recruiting class, Francesca Cuccú, a standout jumper from Italy that will make an immediate impact next season.

Cuccú is a talented all-around athlete that has excelled in the triple jump, long jump, and high jump. She made her name known in 2020 as a top-level competitor at the Italian under-18 National Indoor Championships where she finished second in the triple jump with a final distance of 12.01 meters (39'4"). She finished third place in the same event at the Outdoor Championships. 

Along with Cuccú's prowess in the triple jump, she has also extended her ability to other jumping events. In the long jump her personal best came in 2019 with a leap of 5.42 meters (17'9"), and also owns a personal best mark in the high jump of 1.62 meters (5'3") from 2019.

Returning to the national state after the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Italian under-18 championships in 2021, Cuccú set her current personal best in the triple jump with a hop, step, and jump of 12.12 meters (39'9") to finish in fourth place.

"We are so excited for Francesca joining the Vandal Family," Idaho Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Tim Cawley said. "She should come in and help the team right away on the track and in the classroom."

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