Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA

Source: Associated Press

Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA

By BETH HARRIS
Updated 11:06 PM EDT, May 18, 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Billie Jean King raised her right arm in triumph. Not for another victory on the tennis court. This time, she was celebrating earning a college degree 65 years after she first took classes.

The 82-year-old sports and equality icon received her bachelor’s of art in history from Cal State Los Angeles on Monday, walking across the stage in hot pink glasses and royal blue sneakers at the Shrine Auditorium with about 6,000 others in the Class of 2026.

“It’s never too late, whatever age you are, whatever your abilities are, go for it if you want it,” she said afterward.

King’s black gown was accented with a gold graduation stole personalized by a friend. One side included her initials and the letters G.0.A.T., referring to greatest of all time. A multi-colored tennis racket was embroidered on the other side.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/billie-jean-king-graduates-f45e32d3f48820924e85d64d2a64412e