Billie Jean King Earns College Degree at 82

Billie Jean King, the 82-year-old tennis legend, has earned a college degree 65 years after first taking classes.

What happened?

King received her Bachelor of Arts in history from Cal State Los Angeles, walking across the stage with about 6,000 others in the Class of 2026. She wore a black gown with a gold graduation stole personalized by a friend, featuring her initials and the letters G.0.A.T.

Why it matters for Billie Jean King

King's achievement is a testament to her commitment to education and equality, having announced two years ago that she would work on completing her degree. She is the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college, similar to the majority of her fellow graduates. The school has a predominantly Hispanic and Latino student body, and King has always been an advocate for inclusion and diversity.

What comes next?

King hopes that her achievement will inspire others to pursue education, regardless of their age or background. She said, "It's never too late. Whatever age you are, whatever your abilities are, go for it if you want it." King also emphasized the importance of financial support for women in sports, recalling that she didn't have a scholarship when she first enrolled in college in 1961. At the time, she won the first of her record-tying 20 Wimbledon titles, but the prize money was significantly lower than it is today. As of 1961, King won a $45 gift voucher to a local store for her Wimbledon doubles title, compared to the close to half a million dollars it's worth today. King's historic victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" helped establish the current women's pro tour and pushed for expanded prize money and opportunities for women. The biggest difference between learning in the '60s and today, according to King, is that "it's so much more virtual." Despite her many successes on and off the court, King carried a nagging feeling about not earning her degree, and she always corrected anyone assembling her biography to reflect that. Now, she can finally say that she has graduated, and she's considering what's next, possibly even a master's degree. King was joined by student athletes and the school mascot, and she hit autographed tennis balls into the crowd, punctuating her speech with a cry of "Si se puede!" which means "Yes you can!" The audience erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating King's achievement and her continued advocacy for education and equality.