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PLU Professor receives special recognition from tennis legend and equality champion Billie Jean King

Posted by:
January 12, 2026
By Jeffrey Roberts
PLU Marketing and Communications

Professor of Kinesiology and sports psychologist, Dr. Colleen Hacker, received a surprise video greeting from Billie Jean King during a recent episode of the “Welcome to the Party” podcast.

Dr. Hacker, a five-time Olympic coach and internationally recognized sports psychologist, was a guest on a recent episode of “Welcome to the Party,” a podcast which “celebrates and elevates women’s sports.” The podcast is co-hosted by soccer legend, advocate, and 2022 PLU commencement speaker, Julie Foudy, alongside two-time Olympic gold medalist and activist Abby Wambach. During this episode, the three sports icons shared their wisdom and tools for handling pressure, building confidence, and maintaining mental toughness on and off the field.

The podcast kicked off with a heartfelt and sentimental video message to Dr. Hacker from sports legend and gender equality champion, Billie Jean King. King recognized Dr. Hacker as “an innovator and a game-changer,” leaving Dr. Hacker emotional and speechless. Watch her full reaction below!