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Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA
The 82-year-old tennis icon completed her bachelor’s degree in history and became the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.
- On Monday, May 18, 2026, tennis legend Billie Jean King received her bachelor's degree in history from California State University, Los Angeles, walking across the stage at the Shrine Auditorium with about 6,000 others in the Class of 2026.
- The 82-year-old icon originally enrolled at the campus in 1961, the same year she won her first Wimbledon doubles title, and announced two years ago she would return to finish her degree.
- Reflecting on the past, King told the crowd, "Financial support wasn't available to women in 1961," contrasting her $45 gift voucher with the half-million dollars a Wimbledon doubles title is worth today.
- Sporting a personalized graduation stole embroidered with a tennis racket and "G.O.A.T.," King described the experience as deeply meaningful, stating, "It means a lot more to me than I thought."
- Emphasizing that "it is never, ever, too late to finish what you have started," King expressed hope that one other person will pursue their education, leveraging her journey as inspiration.
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She left the university in 1964 to devote herself to professional tennis. 61 years later she graduated. The tennis player reveals that her real motivation since childhood is to fight against discrimination.
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Billie Jean King, a legend of world tennis, raised her arm in triumph by receiving her Bachelor of History degree from Cal State Los Angeles at the age of 82, six decades after starting her studies. “It’s never too late, be as old as you are, whatever your abilities; go for it if you want to”Billie Jean King, a former tennis playerThe former tennis player, considered the best of all times, recalled the difficulties faced by women athletes in the…
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Total News Sources78
Leaning Left29Leaning Right6Center31Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 44%
C 47%
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