In this podcast clip, Kenneth Shropshire reflects on an early experience that gave him a firsthand look at one of the most influential figures in sports history: Billie Jean King. As a sophomore, he worked for King through WomenSports magazine, a groundbreaking publication launched in San Mateo, California, during a pivotal moment for women’s athletics.
Shropshire describes what it was like to watch Billie Jean King up close in the years following Title IX, when women’s sports were entering a new era of visibility and opportunity. What stands out most is how she was not only still competing as an elite athlete, but also actively building the business and media infrastructure around women’s sports at the same time. She was leading by example, changing the game while still in it.
This clip is a powerful reminder of Billie Jean King’s impact far beyond tennis. She helped redefine what leadership in sports could look like, as an athlete, entrepreneur, advocate, and builder. Kenneth Shrop...