Billie Jean King Earns College Degree at Age 82 After First Enrolling in 1961: ‘It Is Never Too Late’

**Billie Jean King Graduates at 82 with a Degree 65 Years in the Making**

In a moment of triumph that resonates far beyond the realm of sports, Billie Jean King has officially graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in History on May 18, 2026. The iconic tennis player received her diploma during a ceremony for the College of Natural and Social Sciences, marking a significant milestone in her educational journey that began in 1961.

King enrolled at the university when it was known as Los Angeles State College, but her burgeoning tennis career led her to leave after just three years without completing her degree. Now, more than six decades later, she stands as a role model for many, proving that it is indeed “never too late” to finish what one starts.

“This is all about delayed gratification,” the 82-year-old remarked during her speech to fellow graduates. “I had unfinished business, and it is important to me to finish what I started.” Her words were a reflection of her lifelong pursuit of excellence, both in sports and in education, demonstrating the importance she places on completing endeavours.

At the graduation ceremony, King celebrated her achievement in a manner fitting her larger-than-life persona—by playfully volleying signed tennis balls to her fellow graduates in attendance. In a heartfelt moment, she expressed her pride in being the first in her immediate family to graduate from college, a feat she shares with many of her peers.

Two years prior to her graduation, King had announced her intention to complete her degree at Cal State LA, a university that is now home to a bronze statue commemorating her contributions to sports and advocacy. In her address, she recalled the challenges she faced as a female athlete during the 1960s, noting the lack of financial support available for women at the time compared to their male counterparts, who received scholarships.

Humour also found a place in what could have been a solemn occasion. After hearing the sound of a baby crying in the auditorium, King made a light-hearted quip about her speech, which elicited laughter from the audience. She went on to energise the graduates by exclaiming, “Si se puede!”—a Spanish phrase meaning “Yes you can!”—which prompted enthusiastic applause from the audience, many of whom belong to the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Reflecting on her journey, King highlighted the considerable progress in prize money and opportunities in women’s tennis since her early days. “Things were different then,” she noted, recalling how a Wimbledon doubles title in 1961 came with a mere $45 gift voucher, while today’s champions are awarded substantial financial prizes that reflect their hard work and dedication.

With a total of 39 major championships to her name and a legacy that includes not only stellar athletic achievements but also a fierce advocacy for equality in sports, King’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, she had always felt a sense of incompletion regarding her education, often correcting anyone who assumed she had graduated. “I haven’t earned it yet,” she would say, and on this momentous day, she finally earned the right to declare herself a graduate.

In her closing remarks, King contrasted the educational experience of her earlier years with today’s advancements in learning. “It’s so much more virtual now,” she reminisced about the days when in-person attendance was mandatory, adding that her academic journey had greatly enriched her life. “I loved talking to the professors and loved learning.”

Even at 82, King shows no signs of slowing down and hinted that further academic pursuits could be on the horizon. “I just turned on the news, and there’s Shaquille O’Neal walking across at LSU getting his master’s. I think it’s wonderful to keep learning,” she stated, indicating her desire to continue her education in the future.

Billie Jean King’s graduation is not only a personal achievement but also a powerful reminder that pursuing one’s goals and aspirations, regardless of age, is possible. Her journey inspires countless individuals who may have set aside their dreams, illustrating that it truly is never too late to embark on a new chapter in life.