Academics, sports, or both? Well, several youngsters spend years finding answers to this question. When someone says education to a tennis player or a sportsman, it’s mostly treated as a safety certificate in case they fail in sports. But according to the tennis legend, Billie Jean King, “the key principle in life is keep learning and keep learning how to learn.” She was an inspiration on the court in the late 60s and early 70s. But even off the court, she left no stone unturned to revolutionize the sport and the society as well. BJK is now setting a new benchmark even at the age of 81.

Billie Jean King who was the key figure behind the creation of the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973, has been putting in valiant efforts to promote women in sports as well as pioneer a change by being vocal about equality in sports. During an interview with Harvard Business Review in 2021, King confessed about her obsession with learning. She said, “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. Meanwhile, about 30 miles away, Arthur Ashe had a full scholarship to the University of Southern California. But we practiced with our men’s team every afternoon, from 2 to 5, which ended up being a huge advantage.”

However, later things changed a bit and the women started to get athletic scholarships. Billie Jean King completed her schooling at the Long Beach Polytechnic High School before attending California State University, LA in the 1960s. However, she had to do her studies in the midway in order to pursue a career in the racket sport. However, she is now all set to take a major step to complete what she started almost 60 years ago.

King recently shared a video clip on her social media accounts where she was heard saying, “60 years ago, I left California State College, at that time, now it’s California State University in Los Angeles, to go and be No. 1 in the world. I went to Australia and I became No. 1. But, it has always bothered me that I haven’t graduated.” The American tennis legend further added, “So, we’re gonna call this the ‘Road to Graduation.’ I have entered Cal State LA… and I was a history major and I’m back being a history major.”

There are very few people who have had a career quite like Billie Jean King. She won 39 Grand Slam titles in her career (12 singles. 16 doubles and 11 mixed doubles), founded the WTA, and defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous, “Battle of Sexes.” Even after almost 35 years of her retirement, King still serves as a huge inspiration for all aspiring tennis players.

Last year, she was even honored by the California State University, LA. What was her reaction to getting honored by a bronze statue, though?

“It’s never too late!” – Billie Jean King speaks about re-enrolling in the University to finish her degree

Billie Jean King attended California State University in Los Angeles from 1961 to 1964. In October last year, the university announced that they would give King a Congressional Gold Medal. They even made a statue of her. What was King’s reaction to getting honored by her University?

“I’m so honored. This statue on our campus will connect us forever. It reminds me that our legacy is not what is important. Your legacy is what other people say about you, but our contributions to our communities is what will define us forever,” said King. She also revealed, “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,” she said. “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 value of a good education has always been important to me, and I learned a great deal while I was on this campus.”

King further spoke about how her focus was fully on being the greatest player in the world and being the number one at that time. Tennis was the platform she used to make a difference in the lives of others.

Talking about her bronze statue created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, she said, “There’s a sense of permanency, which is unbelievable …What really makes me happy is that I’m wearing what used to be called the ‘Madame Superstar’ dress that Ted Tinling made for me… and all the people that have helped me.”

The statue showcased King at the peak of her powers. What a character she has been, truly inspiring! Share your thoughts on BJK’s contributions both on and off the court.