Billie Jean King, a towering figure in the world of tennis and a staunch advocate for equality, recently achieved an inspiring milestone by graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Los Angeles. The ceremony took place on May 18, marking a significant moment in King’s life, as it came 65 years after she initially set aside her education to pursue a groundbreaking tennis career.
The 82-year-old legend, widely recognized for her contributions to sport and society, celebrated this momentous occasion in a unique fashion. During the commencement ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium, King playfully tossed signed tennis balls to her fellow graduates, blending her iconic sports legacy with her newfound academic achievement.
In her heartfelt address, King reflected on her long journey back to academia. “More than 60 years have passed before I returned to the classroom to complete my degree in history,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to finishing what she started. “It’s important to me to finish what I started. I like completing things. It’s like shaking hands at the net after a match,” she added, reinforcing her philosophy of perseverance.
King’s message resonated with many in attendance as she encouraged graduates to pursue their goals no matter the circumstances. “It’s never too late,” she told the audience, a sentiment that is likely to inspire many to follow in her footsteps.
Growing up in a home with a firefighter father, King was no stranger to sports, playing baseball and basketball with her brother, Randy. Reflecting on the importance of her graduation, she expressed that the experience meant “a lot more than I thought,” stating that the positive impacts of her achievement had surpassed her expectations.
King reminisced about her early career, mentioning that in 1961, the very year she won one of her 20 Wimbledon titles, the financial landscape was drastically different for female athletes. “Winning a Wimbledon doubles title today is worth close to half a million dollars. In 1961, I think we won a $45 gift voucher to a local store,” she recalled. She further noted the lack of financial support for women competing at that level during her formative years, contrasting her experiences with those of her male counterparts who received scholarships.
As a celebrated trailblazer in the fight for gender equality, King emphasized the significance of each graduate’s personal journey, asserting that everyone’s path is unique and deserves recognition. This perspective is a core part of her legacy, both as a champion on the court and an advocate for social justice.
With an impressive tally of 39 major titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, including her famous victory in the “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs in 1973, King has left an indelible mark on the sport. Moreover, she has received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024, further solidifying her status as an icon of American sports.
In addition to her competitive history, King has been instrumental in shaping the future of women’s sports. She established the Women’s Tennis Association and has raised millions for athletic scholarships, impacting countless lives along the way.
Through her recent graduation, Billie Jean King not only achieved a personal dream but also inspired a new generation to pursue their educational aspirations, proving that it is indeed never too late to finish what you start.
