Fisk University Shuts Down Pioneering HBCU Gymnastics Program in 2026
In a decision that’s sent ripples through the collegiate sports world, Fisk University announced it’s discontinuing its groundbreaking gymnastics program after the 2025–2026 season. The Nashville-based institution, known as the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to launch a collegiate gymnastics team, pointed to scheduling difficulties and lack of conference support as the main reasons.
The announcement, first reported by Essence, closes a short but historic chapter in HBCU athletics and the broader gymnastics community. Fisk’s gymnastics team leaves behind a legacy that’s already changed how people see representation in the sport.
The Rise of a Trailblazing Program
Table of Contents
Fisk University launched its gymnastics program in January 2023, making history as the first HBCU to compete in collegiate gymnastics. The team’s creation was more than a milestone—it felt like a movement.
Almost overnight, the program became a symbol of inclusion, showing young Black athletes that they belonged in a sport where diversity had always been rare. In just a short time, Fisk’s gymnasts broke barriers and inspired a new generation who could finally see themselves on the mat.
But despite its historic significance, the program faced huge challenges from the start. Gymnastics isn’t sanctioned by the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), making it tough for Fisk to schedule meets and build a recruiting pipeline.
The university pointed to these structural roadblocks as key reasons for ending the program. Athletic Director Valencia Jordan said Fisk would focus its resources on conference-affiliated sports to strengthen its overall athletic impact within the HBCUAC.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Fisk’s gymnasts shone brightly in competition, but the program struggled with logistics and finances. Limited resources for training, travel, and recruitment put extra pressure on everyone involved.
Things got even harder when founding head coach Corrine Tarver, a trailblazer in collegiate gymnastics, left midseason in 2024 for another opportunity on the East Coast. Her leadership had shaped the team’s identity and competitive spirit, so her departure marked a real turning point.
Even with these hurdles, the athletes kept pushing and continued to excel on the national stage. Their performances showed that talent and determination could break through even the biggest obstacles.
Historic Achievements and National Impact
One of the brightest stars to come out of Fisk’s program was gymnast Morgan Price. Her story really captured the team’s impact on collegiate gymnastics.
Price made history in 2024 as the first HBCU athlete to win the all-around title at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships. She defended her title in 2025, sweeping individual apparatus events and cementing her status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Her achievements drew national attention and highlighted the potential of HBCU athletics to compete—and win—at the highest levels. But Price wasn’t the only one making waves.
Teammates Allie Berkley, Aliyah Reed-Hammon, and Ciniah Rosby all earned first-team All-American honors for the 2025 season, further proving Fisk was a real force in collegiate gymnastics. These accomplishments came despite limited resources, showing that passion and perseverance could create excellence even under tough circumstances.
Representation Beyond Medals
Fisk’s gymnastics team meant more than just athletic achievement—it stood for visibility, empowerment, and cultural pride. For so many young Black girls watching from the stands or on TV, seeing athletes who looked like them compete at a collegiate level was transformative.
The program challenged old stereotypes about who belongs in gymnastics and opened doors for future generations of athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. Its influence stretched beyond Fisk’s campus, sparking conversations about diversity and equity in collegiate sports.
Other HBCUs started exploring the idea of launching gymnastics teams, though keeping these programs going hasn’t been easy. Talladega College ended its program after just one season, while Wilberforce University debuted its team in 2025, becoming only the third HBCU to field a gymnastics squad.
All of this highlights both the momentum and the fragility of HBCU gymnastics right now.
The Broader Implications for HBCU Athletics
Fisk’s decision to end its gymnastics program underscores a challenge all HBCU athletics face: balancing innovation with sustainability. Starting new sports programs takes vision, but also steady funding, administrative support, and conference backing.
Without those pieces, even the most groundbreaking initiatives can struggle to last. Fisk said it’s committed to supporting the affected student-athletes and staff throughout the transition, making sure their academic and athletic goals still matter.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
The university also plans to celebrate the program’s achievements throughout the 2025–2026 season, honoring the gymnasts who helped redefine what’s possible for HBCUs in collegiate sports.
Looking Ahead: The Future of HBCU Gymnastics
Fisk’s program may be ending, but its influence isn’t fading. The visibility it created has already encouraged other HBCUs and athletic organizations to think more seriously about representation in gymnastics and beyond.
The question now is whether the momentum Fisk sparked can turn into something lasting. For emerging programs like Wilberforce University’s, the lessons from Fisk’s experience are invaluable.
Building a gymnastics team at an HBCU takes more than just athletic talent—it needs strategic partnerships, steady funding, and conference advocacy. If those pieces come together, maybe the future of HBCU gymnastics will be brighter than it seems right now.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Firsts and Futures
Fisk University’s gymnastics program is closing its doors, but the spirit it sparked won’t just disappear. Athletes, coaches, and fans will carry its influence for years to come.
The program’s run was short, yet it showed how much representation matters. Institutional support and the fierce drive of athletes who dared to dream—those things changed the game, even if only for a few years.
As Fisk wraps up its final season, there’s no sense of defeat here. It’s more like a celebration, proof that you really can rewrite history, sometimes in less time than anyone expects.