American tennis legend Billie Jean King graduated from California State University on Monday, May 18, 2026.

King earned a bachelor’s degree of history at the age of 82.

She left Los Angeles State College, which is the modern day CSU, in 1964 to pursue her tennis career.

That turned out very well for her. However, it is extremely admirable that she went back in 2025 and finished her degree.

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Billie Jean King in her cap and gown

King posted a picture of herself in her cap and gown.

Her graduation stole had student written on one side and athlete on the other.

On the athlete side, a tennis racquet is pictured as well as “G.O.A.T,” which stands for the greatest of all time.

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Always a trailblazer

King has been a trailblazer throughout her life. The native Californian won a mind boggling 12 singles, 16 doubles, and 11 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles in her 22 year professional career.

From playing Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” to her neverending quest for equal pay and rights for female athletes in all sports, King has always leaned into her pioneering instinct.

Last year, she was honored with the 2,807th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but she was the first to earn it in the category of Sports Entertainment.