Billie Jean King graduates from college at age 82 after leaving for tennis: ‘Yeah baby, only 61 years!’
Billie Jean King graduated from college at the age of 82, completing a degree in history that she began 61 years earlier. She emphasized her commitment to equality and inclusion throughout her life, stemming from her experiences in tennis. At her commencement, she encouraged fellow graduates to be fearless and make history.
- ▪Billie Jean King graduated from Cal State Los Angeles at 82 years old after leaving college in 1964 to pursue a tennis career.
- ▪She won 39 championships and was a pioneer for gender and pay equality in sports.
- ▪King founded the Women's Tennis Association in 1973 and successfully campaigned for equal pay at the US Open.
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Tennis legend Billie Jean King receives her diploma during commencement in Los Angeles. Photograph: Jae C Hong/APView image in fullscreenTennis legend Billie Jean King receives her diploma during commencement in Los Angeles. Photograph: Jae C Hong/APUS newsBillie Jean King graduates from college at age 82 after leaving for tennis: ‘Yeah baby, only 61 years!’King distinguished herself as a tennis champ at Cal State Los Angeles, winning Wimbledon doubles while enrolledRoque PlanasMon 18 May 2026 22.01 EDTLast modified on Mon 18 May 2026 22.03 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen Billie Jean King left college in 1964, she had a purpose. Within a few years, she had become the top-ranked tennis professional in the world.
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