Tennis legend Billie Jean King added another milestone to her celebrated career this week, graduating from California State University, Los Angeles, at age 82 — more than six decades after first enrolling in college.
King walked across the stage Sunday to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from California State University, Los Angeles, completing a journey she began in 1961 before leaving school to pursue professional tennis.
“It is a privilege for me to be here as a member of your graduating class,” King said during her commencement speech, joking that it took “only 61 years” to finish her degree.
King went on to become one of the most influential figures in sports history, winning 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition while also advocating for equal pay and opportunities for women in athletics. She later became the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Despite those accomplishments, King said earning a college degree remained unfinished business.
“Like so many of today’s graduates, I am the very first member of my immediate family to graduate from college,” she told fellow graduates.
Health and aging experts say King’s return to school also reflects the growing understanding that continued learning and maintaining a sense of purpose can contribute to healthy aging. Eric Topol, a longevity researcher at the Scripps Research Translational Institute, described King’s achievement as an example of “super ager” behavior — remaining mentally and physically active later in life.
King used her commencement address to encourage graduates to stay resilient and confident.
“Everything you do, winning or losing, good or bad, it’s feedback, not failure,” she said. “Have fun, be fearless and make history.”
After the ceremony, King joined student-athletes in hitting signed tennis balls into the crowd before speaking to reporters about her hope that the achievement inspires others to pursue long-delayed goals.
“It is never too late to learn, to grow, or to chase the dream that still quietly calls your name,” King later wrote on social media.
Source: Washington Post