As one of the world’s most respected female athletes and an outspoken advocate against sexism in sports, 12-time grand-slam singles champion Billie Jean King paved the path for women athletes around the globe. In 2009 President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Sports Museum of America in New York (now closed) named a wing in her honor. Closer to home, King is best known for cofounding World TeamTennis, a coed professional and recreational league, and she’s the majority owner of the Philadelphia Freedoms team. Last year the Freedoms settled into their new digs at Villanova’s Pavilion, where they began the 2011 season on July 4. Here, the pioneer ruminates on movies, vices and that famous song.
