Anastasia Belyaeva
 
Hometown: Khabarovsk, Russia

What is your favorite moment as a Highlander so far? 
Making it to the finals of the Big South Championship for the second time in the program history. Last time Radford Women's Tennis went to the finals was in 1990.

What is something most people don't know about you? 
I went to a music school back in Russia and my piano teacher was begging me to quit tennis and focus on music, because I was successful in international piano contests.

What made you want to attend Radford? 
I heard that Radford is very strong academically and had not only good athletic facilities, but also new science facilities which was very important for me as a scientist. And after talking to the women's tennis head coach I felt that it was the right place for me.

What advice would you give to any future Highlanders? 
It always seems impossible until it's done.
 
Favorites…
Food? Watermelon
Movie? Harry Potter movies
Team? Radford Women's Tennis!
TV Show? America's Next Top Model
Color? Green and Blue
Pet? White cat with one blue eye and one green eye named Coconut, Westie named Zhuzha. They are both in Russia.
Music? Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, 2 Chainz, Bob Marley, Lady Gaga, Queen, Scorpions and many more…

How has your time at Radford affected you? 
Unfortunately, I only got to spend two years in Radford. However, during this short time I grew as a person, tennis player and a scientist. A lot of seniors will be celebrating the end of their academic career in May, however, for me it is be just the beginning. Because of my achievements in Radford I was accepted to the PhD program in biology in the University of Miami. Radford is the place where my dreams came true.

How did it feel to have the sport you love cut short this year? 
For me the season ended how I wanted, but not when I wanted. I finished my short season with a nine win streak. My last semester in Radford taught me that you cannot take anything for granted, because life is short.
 
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