Fisk University Ends Historic Gymnastics Program Amid Alum Disappointment
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the collegiate gymnastics world, Fisk University just announced it’ll discontinue its groundbreaking women’s artistic gymnastics program after the 2026 season. This team, the first ever at a historically Black college or university (HBCU), had become a beacon for Black gymnasts since its debut in 2023.
The university says it struggled to schedule competitions and build a recruiting pipeline within the HBCU Athletic Conference. Still, former athletes and coaches sound frustrated and disappointed, arguing the program was thriving and meant a lot—culturally and personally. This comes right after similar cuts at other HBCUs, which has folks worried about the future of gymnastics at these schools. (Source)
The Rise and Fall of Fisk University Gymnastics
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When Fisk University launched its women’s gymnastics team in 2023, it wasn’t just another athletic program. It was a historic moment—finally, an HBCU was fielding a gymnastics team and giving Black gymnasts a real platform in a sport where they’ve been so underrepresented.
The team made waves right away. Standout talent like Morgan Price captured national titles and inspired a new generation of athletes.
But after just three seasons, the university’s administration announced the program would end after 2026. Official statements blamed logistics and recruiting, but folks close to the team—like inaugural head coach Corrinne Tarver—aren’t buying it.
Tarver, who left earlier this year for a new coaching gig, insists recruiting was going strong and that athletes were eager to join Fisk’s historic squad.
A Short-Lived Legacy
The decision to cut the program feels especially jarring given its early wins. In 2024, Morgan Price became the first HBCU gymnast to win a national all-around title at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships. That’s a milestone that proved the program’s competitive legitimacy.
Despite these achievements, the administration’s move echoes what happened at Talladega College, which ended its gymnastics program after just one season. After 2026, Wilberforce University will be the only HBCU left with a women’s gymnastics team.
Voices of Disappointment and Frustration
Former Fisk gymnasts and staff haven’t held back about their dismay. Graduates Naimah Muhammad and Kiara Richmon, both on the inaugural roster, said they felt blindsided by the announcement.
They weren’t informed alongside current athletes and only found out moments before the news went public. “It felt like a slap in the face,” Richmon recalled, emphasizing the emotional toll of helping build the program from scratch, only to see it dismantled so quickly.
Muhammad echoed those feelings. She said leadership had previously reassured athletes that the program was secure and valued. The sudden reversal left her feeling like the athletes were more a financial burden than a point of pride.
Coach Tarver’s Perspective
Tarver saw warning signs long before the official announcement. She noticed the university pulling back promised resources, like plans for a dedicated practice facility, as early red flags.
She tried offering solutions to make the program more self-sufficient financially, but says her proposals were dismissed. That signaled to her that the administration just wasn’t committed.
The Cultural Significance of HBCU Gymnastics
Beyond wins and losses, Fisk’s gymnastics program meant a lot culturally. For athletes like Richmon, transferring from mostly white institutions to an HBCU was transformative.
She described the joy of competing alongside and being coached by women who shared her cultural background—something she’d always wanted in her athletic career.
Muhammad’s journey felt similar. She came to Fisk just for gymnastics, but discovered a deeper connection to her identity and community. “Being at Fisk allowed me to understand that I am more than just an athlete. I am an amazing, excellent Black woman,” she reflected.
Those experiences show how HBCU athletic programs can offer both athletic and personal growth for their students.
Moments to Remember
The program had some big highlights. Tarver fondly recalled the team’s meet at the University of Georgia, where she once competed as the school’s first Black gymnast.
Naimah Muhammad’s standout performance in the program’s debut meet and Morgan Price’s perfect 10 on beam were other defining moments. These showcased the team’s potential and prestige.
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Implications for the Future of HBCU Gymnastics
The closure of Fisk’s program raises tough questions about the future of gymnastics at HBCUs. Muhammad put it bluntly: “It makes it look like it was a waste.”
The rapid rise and fall of these programs could discourage other HBCUs from investing in gymnastics, especially with the financial pressures these schools face.
Tarver warns that the changing college athletics landscape, including rising costs for athlete compensation and shrinking federal support like Pell Grants, will make it even harder for small schools to keep expensive sports like gymnastics. Without state funding to help, private HBCUs like Fisk may struggle to justify these programs—no matter their cultural or competitive value.
The Risk of Losing Momentum
With Talladega and Fisk both ending their programs, Wilberforce University will stand alone. That isolation could make recruiting and competing even tougher.
Former athletes and coaches worry all the momentum built in recent years could disappear, setting back representation in the sport for who knows how long.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
The end of Fisk University’s gymnastics program isn’t just about losing a sports team. It’s the unraveling of a symbol—one that stood for progress and representation in college athletics.
For the athletes who gave everything to build this program, the decision stings. It feels abrupt, even unnecessary, almost like their hard work and legacy got wiped away overnight.
The administration points to logistics and finances as the reason. But honestly, if you talk to people close to the program, you’ll hear something else—stories of missed chances, lack of real support, and the ongoing challenge of keeping diversity alive in sports like gymnastics.
For the full story and interviews with the athletes and coach, visit Andscape’s coverage.