On the public courts of Long Beach, California, in the late 1950s, a young Billie Jean King‘s prodigious talent ignited a bold ambition: to become the world’s number one tennis player. This pursuit demanded intense dedication, compelling her to defer her college education after enrolling in 1961. Her powerful serve and aggressive net game propelled her to numerous victories, including her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 1966. This marked the beginning of a dominant era, where she captured a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles, along with numerous doubles and mixed doubles championships, solidifying her place as the world’s number one player multiple times. Now, nearly 60 years later, she’s ready to finish what she started and complete her college education!

She once said, “The key principle in life is keep learning and keep learning how to learn.” and the legend is proving that it’s never too late! At 81 years old, she re-enrolled in California State University Los Angeles to complete the history degree she abandoned in pursuit of her professional tennis career. She announced on X on March 24, “I never graduated from college. It has always bothered me. This is about to change.” while speaking in a video about how she is looking forward to this new journey and sharing it with fans!

Calling it the “Road to Graduation,” Billie Jean King continued to share glimpses of her time as a student. On Tuesday, she shared a series of her time at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland on her Instagram story. However, on her journey back, she posted a video of her reading her textbook and making notes on the plane! Captioned, “Working on my final project for this semester’s history class on the way home from @jtcctennis.”

The person behind the camera says, “A woman’s work is never done.” And it rings especially true for Billie Jean King, the tennis legend and trailblazer for women’s sports. King, who helped create the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973, has spent decades fighting for equality and promoting women in athletics.

In a 2021 interview with Harvard Business Review, she revealed her lifelong passion for learning, saying, “I wanted to go to college: Education was everything for my family. But this was pre–Title IX, so there were no women’s athletic scholarships, which meant I had to work two jobs while at California State University, Los Angeles” – a stark contrast to her contemporary Arthur Ashe, who had a full scholarship nearby.

King’s impact on tennis and society is legendary. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, including a record 20 at Wimbledon, and famously won the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs. Beyond the court, she fought tirelessly for equal prize money and founded organizations like the Women’s Tennis Association and Women’s Sports Foundation.

Her groundbreaking work helped pave the way for Title IX and expanded opportunities for women’s sports across the nation. Her life is a shining example of passion, perseverance, and progress-and now, education is the exciting next chapter in her story. Last October, Cal State LA honored her with a statue celebrating her legacy!

Billie Jean’s reaction to her own statue at the university

On October 2, 2024, Cal State LA unveiled a beautiful bronze statue of tennis legend Billie Jean King outside the Physical Education Building at the Billie Jean King Sports Complex. Created by sculptor Brian Hanlon, it celebrates King’s impact on sports and social justice. “I’m so honored,” King said. “This statue on our campus will connect us forever. Your legacy is what other people say about you, but our contributions to our communities is what will define us forever.” About 500 people attended, including CSU Chancellor Mildred García and Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo.

King started at Cal State LA in 1961 but left in 1964 to focus on tennis. At the ceremony, she shared exciting news: “When I left this campus in 1964 to become the No. 1 tennis player in the world, I was not able to complete my degree. I am happy to announce that I will be re-enrolling in Cal State LA to finish my degree. It’s never too late!” The crowd erupted with cheers, inspired by her determination.

Reflecting on her time at the university, King said, “The value of a good education has always been important to me. My focus then was to be the greatest player in the world and change our sport-from amateur to professional.” She encouraged student-athletes, “You have a platform that very few people have. So, use it to make this world a better place.” Her message struck a chord with everyone present.

The statue honors King’s legacy as a trailblazer and advocate, made possible by donations from her wife Ilana Kloss and others. It stands as a lasting inspiration to the Cal State LA community. As King prepares to finish her degree, her story reminds us all that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and create change.