Tennis Icon BJK Graduates College at 82

Tennis icon Billie Jean King has graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from Cal State LA, six decades after she initially attended the university. Now 82, King left college in 1964 to dedicate herself to her professional tennis career, which saw her achieve world No. 1 status and win 39 major championships.

King described returning to complete her degree as akin to finishing a tennis match, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her. She highlighted that graduating is a significant accomplishment, especially as the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree. This endeavor also serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue educational goals.

Her return to academia involved remote learning, transforming airplanes into classrooms during her extensive travel. King took courses ranging from LGBT Political History to the History of Latin American Women, even writing an essay on Title IX, a law she was instrumental in passing. She found meeting incarcerated students through a university program particularly life-changing.

King is scheduled to deliver a commencement speech on May 18, 2026. She anticipates celebrating this achievement with her family in spirit, remembering her parents' emphasis on education.