After more than six decades, Billie Jean King is finally set to become a college graduate. The 12-time Grand Slam singles champion and pioneer for women in sports will receive her degree from California State University, Los Angeles on May 18 at the age of 82.
King originally attended the university from 1961 to 1964 but left to pursue her tennis career. She will be the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree, calling this achievement one of her most significant accomplishments, alongside receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
King expressed regret that her parents and brother are no longer alive to witness her graduation. Her brother, former San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Moffitt, passed away last year at 76. King noted that her parents valued education greatly and would have been extremely proud.
Her degree is in history. King had considered returning to college for some time but believed she needed two more years to finish. However, after Marjori Gantman, managing director of her firm, reviewed her transcripts, it turned out she had already completed three years of coursework. This discovery motivated her to re-enroll.
The shift to remote learning made it possible for King to take online classes while traveling. Her coursework included LGBT Political History in the United States, Historiography, the History of Latin American Women and Gender, and Historical Research & Writing.
King is a key figure in gender equality, having founded the Women's Tennis Association and campaigned for equal pay. Her efforts are reflected in the fact that 10 of the top 15 highest-paid female athletes last year were tennis players. As a student, she even wrote an essay on Title IX, a law she helped pass in 1972.