A Long-Awaited Academic Milestone

Tennis legend and advocate for equality, Billie Jean King, is set to achieve a major personal goal: earning her college degree. At 82 years old, the 12-time Grand Slam champion will graduate from California State University, Los Angeles, on May 18. King initially attended the institution between 1961 and 1964, but she ultimately stepped away from her studies to dedicate herself fully to her professional tennis career.

A Legacy of Learning

Becoming the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college is a feat King ranks among her most significant life achievements, placing it alongside prestigious honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Reflecting on her family's emphasis on education, King expressed a bittersweet sentiment regarding her parents and her late brother, Randy Moffitt, a former professional baseball player who passed away last year:

«That's my one regret. They're not alive, but, boy, would they be happy. My parents, oh my God, would be over the moon because they're big on education. They told Randy we have to get our education.»

From Credits to Commencement

King’s journey back to the classroom was facilitated by an audit of her academic transcripts. While she believed she required two additional years of study, her firm's managing director, Marjori Gantman, discovered that she had already completed three years of coursework. This revelation prompted King to re-enroll immediately. The rise of remote learning allowed her to balance her rigorous travel schedule with academic requirements, leading her to complete courses such as:

  • LGBT Political History in the United States
  • Historiography
  • History of Latin American Women and Gender
  • Historical Research & Writing

A Living History Lesson

King’s impact on sports and gender equality is profound; she founded the Women’s Tennis Association and was a pivotal figure in the fight for equal pay. Her influence is evident today, as tennis remains a dominant force among the world's highest-paid female athletes. Her academic journey even brought her full circle, as she found herself tasked with writing an essay on Title IX—the landmark legislation she herself helped champion in 1972.