Billie Jean King Graduates College at 82

Why this is here: In 1961, Billie Jean King won her first of 20 Wimbledon titles in the same year she initially enrolled at California State University.

Billie Jean King received her Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University at age 82. The former world-class tennis player began her studies in 1961, pausing to pursue a professional tennis career. King won 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her career and famously defeated Bobby Riggs in 1973’s “Battle of the Sexes.”

She noted the significant difference in prize money between then and now—a Wimbledon doubles title is now worth roughly $500,000, while she once received a $45 gift certificate. King also discussed the lack of financial support for female athletes in the 1960s, contrasting it with the scholarships available to male tennis players.

King advocates for gender equality and inclusion, stating that understanding exclusion is key to understanding inclusion. The International Tennis Federation renamed the Fed Cup the Billie Jean King Cup in 2020 in her honor. She continues to champion equal rights and opportunities for all.