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Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA
The 82-year-old tennis icon completed her bachelor’s degree in history and became the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.
- On Monday, May 18, 2026, tennis legend Billie Jean King received her bachelor's degree in history from California State University, Los Angeles, walking across the stage at the Shrine Auditorium with about 6,000 others in the Class of 2026.
- The 82-year-old icon originally enrolled at the campus in 1961, the same year she won her first Wimbledon doubles title, and announced two years ago she would return to finish her degree.
- Reflecting on the past, King told the crowd, "Financial support wasn't available to women in 1961," contrasting her $45 gift voucher with the half-million dollars a Wimbledon doubles title is worth today.
- Sporting a personalized graduation stole embroidered with a tennis racket and "G.O.A.T.," King described the experience as deeply meaningful, stating, "It means a lot more to me than I thought."
- Emphasizing that "it is never, ever, too late to finish what you have started," King expressed hope that one other person will pursue their education, leveraging her journey as inspiration.
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'Never too late': Billie Jean King, 82, graduates
Billie Jean King, the 82-year-old sports and equality icon, received her bachelor's in history from Cal State Los Angeles on Monday, walking across a stage in hot pink glasses and royal blue sneakers, at the Shrine Auditorium.
·United States
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Associated Press News+33 Reposted by 33 other sources
Billie Jean King, 82, earns a college degree 65 years after starting at Cal State LA
Billie Jean King celebrated earning a college degree 65 years after first taking classes. The 82-year-old sports icon has received her bachelor's in history from Cal State Los Angeles.
·United States
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Spectacular photos, terrifying and snapshots from all over the world. Briefly and concisely bundled in our section "Images of the Day".
·Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Total News Sources43
Leaning Left17Leaning Right4Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 43%
11%
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