You know her as a Russian professional tennis player. And if you have been following her then you know that she is currently serving a two year suspension after testing positive for banned substances.
"I received a letter from the ITF (International Tennis Federation) that I failed a drugs test at the Australian Open. I take full responsibility for it." That was her statement on March 12, 2016.
But Maria Sharapova is doing something you'd never figure. On June 26, 2016 she posted on her Twitter account: "Not sure how this happened but Hey Harvard! Can't wait to start the program!"
During her two year ban, she decided to take the opportunity and use the time to get some higher education. Which is why this Russian sports star enrolled herself in a couple of courses this summer at Harvard's Business School, cites KR CR Tv. She is under the Executive Education program in the Ivy League school.
She is set to join other athletes and celebrities at Harvard's program. The program is specifically targeted towards professional athletes that helps them evaluate business opportunities and manage their own personal brand.
But first! A little bit of history! At the age of 18 years old, she became the world's No. 1. Born in 1987 in Nyagan, Russia SFSR, the professional athlete made a name out of herself. It all started when her parents left the area. They were afraid of Chernobyl's radioactive effects. When Maria Sharapova was born, they left right away.
They moved to Sochi, Krasnodar Krai. She received her first tennis racket from Aleksandr Kafelnikov (Russian Grand Slam Singles Champion). At the age of four, she began to practice everyday. Later on, she took her first tennis lessons with veteran Russian coach Yuri Yutkin. He praises her for her "exceptional hand-eye coordination." She took her professional training at the IMG Academy in Florida. The very same place that trained Andre Agassi and Anna Kournikova. And the rest is sports history.
