Billie Jean King Earns College Degree at Age 82 After First Enrolling in 1961: 'It Is Never Too Late’

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Billie Jean King is proving that it's “never too late” to finish what you started. On Monday, May 18, the tennis icon, 82, earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Cal State LA during the 5 p.m. commencement ceremony for the College of Natural and Social Sciences, per a news release from the university. The milestone came 65 years after King first enrolled at the college in 1961, when it was still called Los Angeles State College. She left three years later before completing her degree to focus on her tennis career.

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00:05it's an honor to join you on this very important day and celebrate the class of 2026 with with

00:15your families with your families and your friends and it is a privilege for me to be here as a

00:26member of your graduating class yeah baby only 61 years relationships are everything

00:40relationships with yourself your loved ones your family faith and friends

00:47number two keep learning and keep learning how to learn keep learning and keep learning how to learn

00:54be a problem solver and an innovator a problem solver and an innovator our decisions our

01:03actions and our voices will shape what comes next have fun be fearless and make history

01:12i will leave you with the inspiring words of one of my favorite all-time sheroes

01:18the loris herrta si se puede yes you can

01:27that's it yes you can okay yes see

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