Anastasia Rodionova is the latest WTA star to graduate from Indiana University East thanks to a link-up between the college and the Women's Tennis Benefits Association (WTBA).

She picked up her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with minors in entrepreneurship and sports management this week, receiving her diploma from IU East Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe and IU President Michael A. McRobbie - the first WTA player to attend the commencement ceremony in person.

There are 17 WTA players currently enrolled at the university through an educational agreement between the campus and the WTBA, with graduates including former World No. 1 Venus Williams, 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, Alla Kudryavtseva, Irina Falconi, Katalin Marosi, Sandra Zaniewska and Ivana Lisjak.

“I am so glad that I was finally able to visit campus and to be here for graduation,” said Rodionova, who studied online and part-time, and earlier this year was named the Outstanding Student in Business Administration. 

“I have been very busy playing tennis,” she added. “Without the online program, I wouldn’t have been able to get my degree and to continue playing tennis full-time. I encourage other WTA players to do the same.”

Current WTBA Chairperson and WTA Player Board Representative Lisa Grattan comments: “We applaud Anastasia for earning her business administration degree and achieving an Outstanding Student Award from Indiana University East. We are also pleased to mention that Anastasia is the first WTA player to participate in the university’s commencement ceremony in Richmond, Indiana. The WTBA is proud of all WTA players who take advantage of our partnership with IU East and we also recognize that Anastasia has been a vocal supporter of this program to her peers.”

“It was a pleasure meeting Anastasia again but this time to welcome her Richmond and to the IU East alumni family,” Cruz-Uribe said. “Anastasia is an outstanding student. I commend her dedication to focus on her academics while traveling, training and competing.”