LOS ANGELES — In a moment of pure joy, Billie Jean King lifted her right arm in celebration. This time, however, it wasn’t about another triumph on the tennis court; she was commemorating the achievement of earning her college degree, a milestone 65 years in the making.
The 82-year-old icon of sports and equality proudly accepted her Bachelor of Arts in History from Cal State Los Angeles on Monday, donning vibrant hot pink glasses and royal blue sneakers as she walked across the stage alongside approximately 6,000 members of the Class of 2026 at the Shrine Auditorium.
“It’s never too late, no matter your age or your circumstances. If you want something, go for it!” she proclaimed afterward.
King’s black gown boasted a gold graduation stole, a heartfelt gift from a friend. One side displayed her initials along with G.O.A.T., an ode to being the greatest of all time, while the opposite featured a colorful embroidered tennis racket.
“This means more to me than I ever imagined,” she reflected after the ceremony. “I’m so pleased I took this step. My hope is that my journey inspires even one other person to return to school.”
Two years ago, King announced her intention to finish her degree at the university where a bronze statue of her stands outside the physical education building. She is the first in her immediate family to graduate from college, a milestone that resonates with many of her fellow graduates at this predominantly Hispanic and Latino institution.
“Being a student-athlete didn’t mean I received financial support,” she told the audience. “In 1961, women had no scholarships available, unlike my friends Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith, who were awarded scholarships at UCLA and USC.”
King has a long-standing commitment to promoting equality and inclusion for all.
“You can’t truly understand inclusion unless you’ve experienced exclusion,” she emphasized.
During her speech, a baby’s cry erupted from the balcony, prompting her to quip, “Is it really that bad?” This brought laughter from the crowd.
She concluded her inspiring address with a spirited “¡Si se puede!” The audience responded with cheers and applause to the phrase meaning “Yes you can!”
Joined by student athletes and the school mascot, King enthusiastically tossed autographed tennis balls into the crowd.
King first stepped onto the campus five miles east of downtown in 1961, the same year she clinched her first Wimbledon title in women’s doubles, tying a record with 20 championships.
“The times were so different,” she reflected. “These days, winning a Wimbledon doubles title can earn a half-million dollars. Back in 1961, we received a $45 gift certificate to a local shop.”
She soon departed from school to chase her dream of becoming the world’s top-ranked player, securing 39 major titles and making history with her monumental victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes.” King played a pivotal role in founding the modern women’s pro tour, advocating for equal prize money and opportunities.
When asked about the biggest shift in learning between then and now, she noted, “It’s so much more virtual now. We had to physically attend class. Although I didn’t always show up, I cherished the opportunity to engage with my professors and learn.”
Despite her numerous accomplishments both on and off the court, a lingering sense of unfulfillment accompanied her until she earned this degree. She would correct anyone who mistakenly declared she had graduated.
“I insisted they never refer to me as graduated until I actually earned it,” she shared. “Today, I can finally say that I graduated.”
As for pursuing a master’s degree?
“I just saw the news and saw Shaquille O’Neal graduating with his master’s from LSU. It’s wonderful to continue learning,” she said enthusiastically.
