By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, October 5, 2024
Photo credits: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA
Billie Jean King is a social rights warrior and Hall of Fame champion.
Now, King is a monumental figure on campus.
More: WADA Appeals Sinner’s Doping Case, Seeks Ban for World No. 1
Cal State LA honored beloved alumna Billie Jean King with the unveiling of a statue on the grassy area outside of the Physical Education Building at the Billie Jean King Sports Complex last week.
One of the greatest tennis players of all time, King’s influence extended beyond athletics as she bravely used her voice to advocate for gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other social justice issues. King, her wife Ilana Kloss, and their good friend and fellow former pro Rosie Casals are among the most ardent supporters of Golden Eagles athletics.
“I’m so honored,” King said. “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.”
The bronze statue by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon honors King’s numerous contributions to Cal State LA and serves as inspiration to the campus community. It was made possible through generous donations by Kloss, George and Kathy Hicker, and John Chapple.
The event drew a crowd of about 500, which included California State University Chancellor Mildred García, CSU Board of Trustees Chair Jack B. Clarke Jr., CSU Trustee Wenda Fong, and Assemblywoman and Cal State LA alumna Wendy Carrillo.
King ended her address to the crowd with personal news that drew some of the event’s loudest cheers.
“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!”
King attended Cal State LA from 1961 to ’64 but left to concentrate on her tennis career. She won her first Wimbledon women’s double titles while still a student at the university. King’s career highlights include 12 Grand Slam singles championships (including five Wimbledon and four U.S. titles), 16 women’s doubles and 11 in mixed doubles. King was ranked No. 1 in six of 10 year-end polls from 1966 through 1975.
“The value of a good education has always been important to me, and I learned a great deal while I was on this…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Blog RSS…