At 82, the tennis icon Billie Jean King returned to Cal State L.A. to finish what she started

Billie Jean King earned a college degree.

Billie Jean King receives her Bachelor of Arts in History diploma from Cal State Los Angeles

The tennis icon’s Graduation Victory: The Degree 65 Years in the Making

Billie Jean King returned to CSULA to finish what she started

Graduation ceremonies are filled with stories of determination, sacrifice, and dreams fulfilled. Yet at California State University, Los Angeles, one graduate’s journey stood apart from the rest. Among thousands of students celebrating their achievements in May 2026 was a woman whose name has already been etched into history for decades: Billie Jean King.

Wearing her cap and gown, signature hot pink glasses, and blue Adidas sneakers, the 82-year-old tennis legend crossed the stage to receive her degree in history. For many graduates, earning a diploma marks the beginning of a new chapter. For King, it represented the completion of a chapter that began more than six decades ago.

King originally enrolled at Cal State L.A. in 1961. At the time, she was already making waves in tennis, having won her first Wimbledon women’s doubles title that same year. As her career accelerated, she made the difficult decision to leave school in 1964 and pursue professional tennis full-time.

That choice led to one of the most remarkable careers in sports history. King won 39 Grand Slam titles, became the world’s top-ranked female tennis player, and captured international attention in the historic Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs. Beyond her athletic achievements, she became a leading voice for equality in sports and society.

Yet despite her extraordinary success, there was still one goal she wanted to accomplish.

“More than 60 years have passed since I returned to the classroom last year to complete my degree in history. Talk about delayed gratification,” King said. “And I came back with a purpose — I had unfinished business.”

Those words resonated deeply with graduates and families gathered inside the Shrine Auditorium. King’s presence reminded everyone that education has no expiration date and that personal goals remain meaningful regardless of age or accomplishment.

Serving as the commencement speaker, King shared lessons forged through decades of competition and advocacy.

“Don’t let others define you. You define yourself,” she said. “Pressure is a privilege, and champions adapt.”

Her message carried particular weight because she has spent her life challenging expectations. As one of the pioneers of women’s professional sports, King fought tirelessly for equal prize money and opportunities. In the early 1970s, she helped create opportunities for female athletes by supporting the Virginia Slims Circuit, which ultimately became the foundation of today’s women’s professional tennis tour.

Her efforts changed the landscape of sports forever. In 1973, after years of advocacy, the U.S. Open became the first major tennis tournament to award equal prize money to men and women.

King’s influence extended well beyond the tennis court. She testified before Congress in support of Title IX, championed equal access to education and athletics, and became one of the first openly gay professional athletes. Throughout her career, she consistently used her platform to advocate for inclusion and opportunity.

“I committed my life to equality and inclusion for all,” King said in Monday’s speech. “Tennis is a global sport; it became my platform, but equality was my dream to make the world a better place.”

Her commitment to education traces back to her childhood in Long Beach, California. A lifelong learner, she spent countless hours in local libraries and often credits education and curiosity as the foundations of her success. In recognition of her contributions, Long Beach named its downtown library after her in 2019.

“That was a moment I’ll never forget,” King told the Long Beach Press-Telegram about the library in 2023. “Having my name on it in the place where I grew up is one of the greatest honors of my lifetime.”

Despite receiving some of the nation’s highest honors—including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame—King described returning to Cal State L.A. as deeply meaningful.

“Being back to where I started, it means a lot to me,” King told reporters. “Because I had a lot of people wanting me to go to other schools to finish, and I said, ‘No, I want to come back here. It’s important to me.”

Perhaps the most touching moment came when King expressed her hope that her journey would inspire others.

“My hope is that one other person will go back to school,” King said. “If one person just goes back, then that would be great.”

Her graduation serves as a reminder that success is not measured solely by trophies, titles, or awards. Sometimes, success is returning to a dream left unfinished and having the courage to complete it.

As she concluded her remarks, King borrowed the famous words of labor rights activist Dolores Huerta:

“Si, se puede! Yes you can!”

For the Class of 2026—and for anyone who has ever thought it was too late to pursue a goal—Billie Jean King’s graduation was proof that determination, purpose, and learning can last a lifetime.

SNS Comments

“An inspiration to every generation. Proof that it’s never too late to finish what you started.”
“82 years old and still setting records. Congratulations, Billie Jean King!”
“The ultimate champion—on the court, in society, and now in the classroom.”
“What a powerful example for adult learners everywhere.”
“Billie Jean King just gave graduation season its most memorable moment.”
“The Class of 2026 got a commencement speaker they’ll never forget.”

Source: