Biography

Maria Grover is an Assistant Professor of Sports Media and Communication at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on strategic communication in sports. She is particularly interested in how different agents, such as sports organizations, athletes, sponsors, and journalists, communicate with their audiences about social and political issues, and how the public responds. Additionally, Maria’s research explores sports branding, especially for new franchises, and the use of new media in public relations. Her work has appeared in journals including Public Relations Review, Journal of Sports Media, and Journal of Intercollegiate Sport. She regularly presents her work at such conferences as AEJMC, ICA, and IACS.
Before starting her academic journey, Maria worked as a sportswriter, editor, and public relations specialist. She covered three Olympic Games, the Youth Olympics, and multiple European and World Championships across various Olympic Sports. As a PR specialist, she worked with multiple clients, including the Russian Skating Union, adidas, Nike and Under Armour.
Originally from Russia, now Maria lives in Providence with her husband, son, and an American Eskimo dog, Pippin. When she doesn’t work, she enjoys art and photography, reading, and hiking.