LOS ANGELES -- Cal State LA welcomed back its most famous alumna Wednesday afternoon on a day of celebration, appreciation and inspiration.

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon and pioneer for social justice and equality, spent time meeting with Cal State LA's student-athletes in University Gym before taking center stage at a ceremony officially dedicating a beautiful statue of King outside the physical education building.

King, who hosted the popular Billie Jean King and Friends fundraising gala for 20 years while raising more than four million dollars for athletic scholarships at Cal State LA, was back where she attended school from 1961 to 1964. During that time, she was already starting on her incredible run of 20 Wimbledon titles and 39 Grand Slam championships.
   
"Today was truly unforgettable as Billie Jean King imparted her invaluable life lessons to our student-athletes. Her statue serves as a powerful tribute to her remarkable achievements both on and off the field," Cal State LA Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross said. "As a global icon of hope, inspiration and opportunity, she has impacted countless lives. We are fortunate to have the chance to learn from such a legendary figure. The unveiling of her statue guarantees that her extraordinary legacy and tireless fight for equality will always be honored."

The statue was made by sculptor Brian Hanlon, who was on hand Wednesday along with the donors, George and Kathy Hicker and Billie Jean King's partner Ilana Kloss.

King also took note of Cal State LA having its first female president in Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes and the California State University system having its first female chancellor in Mildred Garcia. Both spoke during the outdoor ceremony.

King enjoyed her time interacting with the student-athletes in the gym, recalling her days as a student-athlete during a time when there were no scholarships available for female athletes. She noted she had two jobs, one at a local elementary school as a playground director and the other in the Cal State LA locker room. She quipped handing out equipment in the college locker room was the only job she ever hated.

King, of course, became a prominent advocate for Title IX and takes great pride in the scholarships available for both men and women in collegiate sports, especially at Cal State LA.

Among the student-athletes in attendance were former Billie Jean King Scholarship recipient Pratima Sherpa of women's golf and the two winners of the 2024 Billie Jean King Female Athlete of the Year award, Emily Elliott of volleyball and Jonon Young of track and field.

King participated in a question and answer period with the student-athletes, which was highlighted by a question from Morgan Sjoerdsma, the school's first three-time Academic All-American and first-ever conference individual golf champion, who asked King about her memorable Battle of the Sexes victory Bobby Riggs in 1973. That match was watched by 90 million viewers and is credited with playing a more significant role in developing greater respect and recognition for women athletes than any other sports event in history.

"I spent some time with the group of student-athletes earlier and I have to tell you, they've energized me like they always do. These athletes get me rockin' and I have to tell you, they are the best."  King said. "The future of Cal State LA athletics is in good hands."

King also dropped in a bit of a surprise at the end of her remarks when she announced she was going to complete her undergraduate work at Cal State LA. She was a history major when she attended the school from 1961-64. Despite receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Cal State LA in 1997 as part of the university's 50-year anniversary, King is ready to hit the books once again, just like she did 60 years ago.