Billie Jean King Earns College Degree at Age 82 After 65 Years
1-Minute Brief
King's graduation highlights lifelong dedication to education and achievement beyond her tennis career.
Key Facts
- Billie Jean King earned a college degree 65 years after first enrolling at Cal State LA.
- King is 82 years old at the time of graduation.
- She initially left college in 1964 to pursue a professional tennis career.
- While enrolled, King won Wimbledon doubles and later became the world’s top-ranked tennis professional.
- King has won 39 championships and received both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a congressional Medal of Honor.
What Happened
Billie Jean King graduated from Cal State Los Angeles at age 82, decades after first enrolling and leaving to pursue tennis.
Why It Matters
King's achievement underscores the value of lifelong learning and perseverance, serving as an example for those who pursue education later in life.
What's Next
No further educational plans were mentioned in the sources. King continues to be recognized for her contributions to sports and equality.
Sources
Confirmed by 2 independent sources
- The IndependentLeft56m agoBillie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA
- The GuardianLeft2h agoBillie Jean King graduates from college at age 82 after leaving for tennis: ‘Yeah baby, only 61 years!’