Billie Jean King: Degree, Legacy & More

Billie Jean King: A Legacy Forged in History, education, and Equality

By Archyde news Journalist

April 7, 2025

A Champion’s Unfinished Business

Billie Jean King, a name synonymous with tennis excellence and social justice, stands as a monumental figure. With 39 Grand Slam titles, six national No. 1 rankings (1966-1975), and the distinction of being the first female athlete to earn $100,000 in a single year, King’s athletic prowess is undeniable. Beyond the court, she established the Women’s Tennis Association and famously triumphed over Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973, a match that transcended sports to become a cultural touchstone. A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, King has tirelessly championed equal pay for women in tennis and broader women’s sports initiatives. Yet, amidst these towering achievements, one aspiration remained unfulfilled: completing her college degree.

For years, a quiet voice echoed in her mind: I’ve been saying, ‘I never finished school.’ The demands of elite tennis forced her to put her education on hold. Now, King is persistent to silence that voice.

The Road to Graduation

As she stated during a recent interview, she had just finished history class. Balancing coursework with her ongoing commitments, King is pursuing her historiography degree at Cal State LA. I’m calling it the road to graduation, she declared, adding, I want to finish before I’m out of here. This pursuit reflects not merely a desire for a degree but a deep-seated passion for history and its relevance to the future.

King’s love for history isn’t just academic; its a driving force. I’m always thinking about the future. I’m always thinking about kids and the younger generation, what’s going to happen? How are you going to shape the world? she explains. I want everyone to be OK. Her historical knowledge informs her vision for a more equitable and inclusive tomorrow.

This commitment echoes throughout her career and is particularly relevant given recent trends in education. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of education, adult learners are increasingly seeking higher education to enhance their career prospects and adapt to evolving job market demands. King’s return to academia serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that lifelong learning is attainable and valuable, regardless of one’s age or accomplishments.

Moreover, her focus on historiography—the study of historical writing—highlights the importance of understanding how history is constructed and interpreted. In an era of misinformation, a critical understanding of historical narratives is essential for informed citizenship and social progress.

Hollywood Star and Enduring Legacy

Adding another accolade to her illustrious career,King was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 7. Unlike other female athlete honorees who transitioned to acting, king’s star celebrates her achievements in sports and her advocacy. This recognition provided an chance to reflect on her journey and the ongoing evolution of women’s sports.

This is great because I’m from Long Beach, Calif., and the walk of Fame is a big deal, especially in Southern California. We’d go to L.A.all the time for tournaments, King noted, emphasizing the significance of this recognition within her community.

King’s journey began at the age of 12,when she knew she wanted to be a tennis player. I knew when I was 11 years old when I first went to Houghton Park and had my first free session with Clyde Walker…and I knew at the end of the day I wanted to be No. 1 in the world. And when I was 12, I had my epiphany about championing equality for the rest of my life, and I knew that tennis was global because I knew all about women. I love history. I’m a huge believer that the more you know about history, the more you know about yourself. The reason I was able to help shape tennis and women’s sports was as I read history all the time.

She cites Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to play at the U.S. Nationals, as her hero. Althea Gibson was my first hero. I watched her play, and you always wonder, “How good is number one as that’s what I want to be.” I thought I could never be better than Althea. I got to know her over the years which was a real privilege. This year is the 75th year of ending segregation in our sport. Althea was the first Black to play at the US nationals in 1950. althea is first,of course,I knew all that as I read the history. That’s how every generation helps the next one. King’s understanding of history fuels her dedication to progress.

DEI and the Future of inclusion

King’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continues through the Billie Jean King Foundation. Despite recent pushback against DEI initiatives, King remains steadfast in her belief in inclusion. What I think about is inclusion,and that’s realy what this is. When you think about it, it’s just a different way to explain it. We have to get more women on board and have to keep getting equal pay. Just keep your eye on the ball and keep trying to do the right thing. don’t call it DEI anymore, as people don’t like that. it doesn’t matter what the label is. You just want to do the right thing by every human being.

Her outlook aligns with a growing understanding that diversity is not merely a matter of compliance but a strategic advantage. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and effective. King’s emphasis on “doing the right thing by every human being” underscores the moral imperative of inclusion, regardless of political headwinds.

The Rise of Women’s Sports

As part owner of Angel City Football Club, King celebrates the growing popularity of women’s sports. It means everything. I want everyone to play their sport, whatever they like.I went to college before Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in schools. My generation really brought things forward and changed things. My generation took tennis from amateur tennis to pro. My generation made it happen, so they get money.

She reminisces about the early days of women’s professional tennis: We started women’s professional tennis. Our dream was three things: any girl born in this world if she were good enough, would have a place to compete; that we’d be appreciated for our accomplishments, not only our looks; and number three, that we would be able to make a living because making $14 a day wasn’t working, so we changed it.We caused the birth of wom- en’s professional tennis. We played a tournament for prize money. Rosemary Casals won the first one.

the iconic photo of them holding a $1 bill symbolizes their struggle and triumph. There’s an iconic photo of us holding a $1 bill, and it took a lot of work. Every time I see that, I’m like, “Thank you, God.” That was the birth of women’s professional tennis as you know it today. When Coco Gauff got a check for $4 million, I smiled, as without us going through what we did in 1970, they wouldn’t be getting anything. We started to make money, but we weren’t going to make the big bucks, and we knew it.

The rise of women’s soccer and basketball reflects the lasting impact of Title IX. While progress has been made, disparities persist in areas such as media coverage and sponsorship opportunities.King’s continued advocacy is crucial to ensuring that women’s sports receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

The “Battle of the Sexes” and Beyond

The “Battle of the Sexes” remains a pivotal moment in sports and social history. That was it as of what I was fighting for. That was the second wave of the women’s movement, and I used to go and plead with Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug and those guys to use us more because, I said, “We are living it. We work and we sweat, and we do all the things you’re fighting for.”

While the match itself was significant, its true importance lies in its broader cultural impact. It sparked conversations about gender roles and equality that continue to resonate today. king’s willingness to use her platform to advocate for social change set a precedent for athletes using their voices to address important issues.

Advice for Young Players

King emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of tennis. Know the business.understand the business. Understand everyone’s part in this because when you get finished with tennis and, if you do want to stay in tennis, there’ll be tons of opportunities for you. Why not invest? Larry King (Billie’s former husband) and I owned tournaments. So I understood sponsors, I understood what people wanted. I think it makes a huge difference in making better decisions as a leader. I keep trying to teach the players the business side,not just the playing.

Her advice reflects a growing recognition that athletes are not just performers but also entrepreneurs. By understanding the business of sports, athletes can take control of their careers and build lasting legacies.

Thoughts on Pickleball

When asked about pickleball, King expressed reservations. I don’t like the noise, and there are so many injuries. My brother-in-law went out to play and just had to have his knee operated on. But I think it’s great that people are moving, and whatever makes people happy … but I still can hit a tennis ball.

While pickleball’s popularity is undeniable, concerns about injuries and noise pollution are valid. As the sport continues to grow, addressing these issues will be crucial to its long-term sustainability.

A Call for Recognition

Even amidst her own celebration on the Walk of Fame, King advocates for others. Then we have to get a woman of color. How about Althea Gibson — the first Black woman to win a grand slam?

This statement encapsulates King’s enduring commitment to equality and her recognition that progress is an ongoing process. By championing Althea Gibson, she reminds us of the importance of celebrating diverse voices and experiences.

How did Billie Jean King’s work in advocating for equality influence the growing popularity of women’s sports?

An Interview with Billie Jean King on Legacy, inclusion, and the Future of Sports

By Archyde News Journalist

April 7, 2025

Introduction

Archyde news recently had the privilege of speaking with Billie Jean King, a true icon in the world of sports and a tireless advocate for equality. We discussed her recent star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her ongoing education, and her vision for the future of sports and society. Our interviewer, Amelia Chen, engaged with Ms. King on the key moments shaping her life and legacy.

Amelia Chen: Billie Jean, congratulations on your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a remarkable achievement. How does it feel to be recognized in this way, especially knowing that this honor celebrates both your athletic success and your commitment to advocacy?

Billie Jean King: Thank you, Amelia. it’s incredibly humbling. The Walk of Fame is a big deal, especially for someone who grew up in Southern california. It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized for both my achievements on the court and my work advocating for equality. It’s a reminder of the power of sports to impact society.

Amelia Chen: You’re also pursuing a degree. Can you share a bit about your decision to go back to school and what your studying?

Billie Jean King: Well, I’m calling it the road to graduation! I’m at Cal State LA, studying history. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m very passionate about history and understanding how we shape the future.

Amelia Chen: Your focus on historiography is captivating, especially in this age of so much information and misinformation. How does understanding history inform your vision for a more equitable future?

Billie Jean King: History teaches us about patterns. It helps us understand the struggles of those before us so we can hopefully learn from their mistakes and build a better world. I’m always thinking about the younger generation and how they will build the world. That’s why understanding how history is written is crucial.

Amelia Chen: You’ve been a pioneer in women’s sports, particularly in the fight for equal pay and recognition. As the owner of Angel City FC, how do you view the current landscape of women’s sports, given its burgeoning popularity?

billie Jean King: It’s incredibly inspiring to see the growth. We, the pioneers, did this! We fought for opportunities and the right to be recognized for our skills. The rise of women’s soccer and basketball show that change is possible. The fight continues, and we now also must ensure that women’s sports receive the resources and media support they deserve to thrive.

Amelia Chen: The “Battle of the Sexes” remains a pivotal event. Looking back, what do you beleive was the match’s lasting impact beyond the sport of tennis?

Billie Jean King: The “Battle of the Sexes” sparked some very critically important conversations about gender roles. It highlighted the power of women, their talent and strength in a male dominated world.We made people think.It opened doors in the way that people viewed women.

Amelia Chen: Your commitment to DEI initiatives, through the Billie jean King Foundation, is clear. In a time when some initiatives face scrutiny, what message would you give in this regard?

Billie Jean King: It’s about inclusion; it’s really about doing the right thing for every single human being. That’s the bottom line. It doesn’t matter what you call it, DEI or something else. We need diversity and that includes getting more women into leadership. Keep your eye on the ball and do the right thing.

Amelia Chen: Looking ahead, what advice would you give to young athletes, particularly those navigating the business aspects of sports?

Billie Jean King: Know the business. Understand the finances and who is involved in all aspects of their careers, and also develop a passion for learning the business side. That is what helps you be a better leader.It makes a huge difference going forward. Whether they stay in sports or pivot to another path, the business experience will make them more empowered.

Amelia Chen: What do you think about the increasing popularity of pickleball?

Billie Jean King: I don’t like the noise, and there are so many injuries. But it’s great that people are moving, and whatever makes people happy…but I still can hit a tennis ball.

Amelia Chen: As you’re being honored, you are also advocating for others. It’s a testament to your commitment to equality.

Billie Jean King: We have to get a woman of color on the Walk of Fame. How about Althea Gibson – the first Black woman to win a grand slam?

Amelia Chen: Thank you for giving us your time and insight, Billie Jean. Your contributions reach far beyond the court. Is there anything else you’d like to add, as the Archyde News team are big fans?

Billie Jean King: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to have this chat. remember that every generation helps the next! Keep advocating for one another, be kind, and never stop learning! We have to keep moving forward.

Amelia Chen: Thank you again, Billie Jean.