MASON, Ohio – The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the Women’s Tennis Interests Association (WTBA) and IU East celebrated the graduations of:
• Magda Linette, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing, Specialization in Sports Marketing and Management, and Primary School in Media Studies, Poznan, Poland
• Nicole Melichar, Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Bradenton, Florida
• Shelby Rogers, Bachelor of Psychological Science, Pompano Beach, Florida
• Retired player Teodora Mircic, Bachelor of Psychological Science, Hispanic Minor, Bradenton, Florida also earns his degree in 2021.
Linette, Melichar, Mircic and Rogers are four of the 17 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) players registered for the 2020-2021 school year at IU East through the agreement. So far, a total of 14 players have graduated from IU East, WTA’s education partner.
Rogers and Melichar received their diplomas during a private celebration Sunday, August 15, at the Western Southern Open (WSO) at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. A small number of close family and friends attended the celebration. Linette received her diploma on Monday, August 16, while attending the tournament.
Denise Smith, dean of the East IU School of Business and Economics, detailed the academic achievements of the most recent WTA graduates in the program and awarded the diplomas to Melichar and Rogers.
Smith said: “It is very special to have this celebration in person and to have the opportunity to award diplomas to both of them. “We thank WSO for their gracious hospitality and for enabling this memorable event, especially in today’s environment.”
Ahead of the celebration, WTA and IU East attendees for the ceremony followed the necessary procedures to ensure the health and safety of WTA players, staff and their families.
Prior to the event, all attendees completed a 90 antigen test. Other procedures including wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet apart are recommended. In addition, prior to Sunday’s celebration, each individual verified their immunizations against WTA guidelines.
“It is very special to have this recognition,” explains Rogers. “We’re also excited to share this moment with some of our family, especially during these difficult COVID times. This is just another milestone for us and to achieve. something like this is really special as we’ve always been known for what we do on the pitch.”
“This (degree) is special to me because I chose to give up my college experience to play pro, so to be able to accomplish this for myself and my family, and everyone else. that I promised when I went pro that I said Rogers.
“It’s been a pleasure being able to celebrate with other players, and hopefully we can be a source of encouragement to other athletes participating in the show as IU East has done a great job of being helpful and partnering with us. me, so if it’s scary, here’s the encouragement you can take, says Rogers.
Melichar noted that she completed her studies with the support of her family, coach, WTA and IU East.
“I really felt like I got all the support I needed between IU East and WTA with signing up for classes or knowing what I needed to do, any time I needed it,” says Melichar. support,” said Melichar. “Everyone is very friendly and really helpful so I can only say positive things.”
Melichar encourages WTA players who are currently working towards their degree to continue with it, even if it becomes difficult. Having subjects while touring will help players focus on a bad match or other problems while traveling internationally, she added.
“Any player who is doing it [working on their degree], I think they should stick with it even if they can only take one or two classes at a time. It took me eight years but I made it,” said Melichar. “I think it’s good to just learn and keep developing the brain so I encourage all the players to not only start but stick with it. with it “.
Linette said: “This means a lot to me. To compete professionally and complete my degree, it took me a lot of time and hard work. I’m happy to finish and I’m looking forward to it. future career after tennis because I was able to do this.”
Mircic said, “My studies at IU East not only helped me plan my future career, but also helped me throughout my personal life. I also want to continue my education in the near future. by getting my master’s degree. I really enjoyed my studies and once again I am very grateful to WTA/WTBA and IU East for this great opportunity.”
Steve Simon, Executive Director of WTA, applauds athletes who have completed a grueling curriculum, demonstrating the strength to manage their schedules and careers while completing their degrees.
“Today is a unique celebration to honor our WTA players who have excelled in their baccalaureate degrees. The fact is that we can admit graduates here. is very special [during the pandemic]. The program itself is something we feel very strongly about and we appreciate the partnership. To be able to provide these athletes with the opportunity to learn and prepare for life after tennis, or even broaden their horizons while playing tennis, is something very special. You have reached another ambitious milestone in your decorated career. “
Lisa Grattan, executive director of WTBA, congratulates the women on their success. She said the partnership with IU East has empowered WTA athletes for life after tennis through education.
“I’m proud of our players and what they’ve achieved,” said Grattan. “Today was the best. It was just a very meaningful day.”
Jason Troutwine, vice-chancellor for external affairs, said the event was a celebration of graduates and their achievements, and also a strong partnership with the WTA and WTBA. “WTA fully understands what it means for Magda, Nicole, Teodora and Shelby to have their qualifications and for each player currently working towards this goal.”
