Tennis icon Billie Jean King, at 82 years old, has finally earned her college degree, a remarkable achievement that came 65 years after she first began her studies at California State University, Los Angeles. The milestone was celebrated during the university's commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026, where King was presented with her diploma by university President Berenecea Johnson Eanes.
A Long-Awaited Achievement
King originally enrolled at Cal State LA in the early 1960s but left before completing her degree to pursue her groundbreaking tennis career. Over the decades, she became one of the most influential figures in sports, winning 39 Grand Slam titles and advocating for gender equality in athletics. Now, more than six decades later, she has fulfilled that academic goal.
Inspiration for All Ages
In her remarks at the ceremony, King emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and perseverance. She encouraged graduates to never stop pursuing their dreams, no matter how long it takes. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that education and personal growth have no age limit.
The university celebrated King as a role model for students of all generations, highlighting her dedication both on and off the court. Her degree is in physical education, a field closely tied to her life's work in sports and advocacy.
King's accomplishment has drawn widespread attention and admiration, with many praising her commitment to finishing what she started. She joins a long list of notable figures who have completed their education later in life, proving that it is never too late to achieve a goal.
