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Billie Jean King Earns BA 65 Years After Enrolling

5/20/2026

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Summary

Billie Jean King Graduates

Billie Jean King, 82, earned a BA from California State University, Los Angeles on May 18, 2026, completing the degree 65 years after enrolling in 1961 and leaving college in 1964 to launch a tennis career that won 39 Grand Slam titles.
She became the first family member to graduate, tossed tennis balls at the Shrine Auditorium ceremony, urged graduates with “Si se puede,” and said she may pursue a master’s degree.

Summary

Billie Jean King Honored

In 1961, Billie Jean King said women’s tennis had no scholarships while Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith received them at UCLA and USC.
She contrasted the $45 Wimbledon doubles voucher then with today’s prize of nearly half a million dollars.
King helped launch the women’s professional tour, advocated larger prize money, and is honored by a bronze statue outside Cal State Los Angeles’s physical-education building, where she earned her degree.

Summary

King Graduates

King earned a history degree after completing remote classes and writing a Title IX essay.
She wore a custom black gown printed with a multicolored tennis racket and the initials “GOAT”.
University president Berenecea Johnson Eanes conferred her diploma before about 6,000 graduates, making her the first immediate family member to graduate.
She hopes her return will inspire at least one other adult to pursue education.

Summary

King Invests

Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss bought minority stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Sparks through owner Mark Walter.
They married in a private 2018 ceremony, a notable LGBTQ+ union in sports.
They co-founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative to promote inclusive workplaces and gender equality.
King earned course credit for work with Cal State L.A.’s Prison Graduation Initiative, aiding incarcerated learners.

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Billie Jean King Graduates

Billie Jean King, 82, earned a BA from California State University, Los Angeles on May 18, 2026, completing the degree 65 years after enrolling in 1961 and leaving college in 1964 to launch a tennis career that won 39 Grand Slam titles.
She became the first family member to graduate, tossed tennis balls at the Shrine Auditorium ceremony, urged graduates with “Si se puede,” and said she may pursue a master’s degree.

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