Fisk University to Conclude Landmark Women’s Gymnastics Program in 2026
Fisk University’s decision to end its historic women’s gymnastics program after the 2026 season has sent shockwaves through collegiate athletics, HBCU sports culture, and the gymnastics world at large.
What started as a bold, inspiring experiment quickly became a national symbol of progress and representation. But, as with so many pioneering efforts, the hard realities of money, conference alignment, and sustainability ultimately changed the program’s course.
This piece takes a look at what Fisk’s gymnastics journey meant, why it’s coming to a close, and what other HBCUs might learn from the ride.
The Rise of a Groundbreaking Program
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When Fisk University announced its women’s artistic gymnastics team in 2023, it wasn’t just adding another sport. It was making history.
Fisk became the first HBCU to sponsor a women’s gymnastics program at the collegiate level. That move grabbed national attention and drew plenty of praise.
People saw it as a transformative moment for both gymnastics and HBCU athletics. For decades, college gymnastics lacked diversity, with very few Black athletes competing at the top level.
Fisk’s program didn’t just talk about representation—it built it right into the foundation.
Why Fisk’s Program Mattered Nationally
The impact of Fisk’s gymnastics program reached far beyond Nashville. It proved that HBCUs could innovate outside traditional sports models and actually succeed, both competitively and culturally.
- Representation: The team gave Black gymnasts visibility in a sport that’s long lacked it.
- Recruitment: It drew elite talent who might’ve never considered an HBCU before.
- Inspiration: Other schools started to believe a new era was possible.
In just three seasons, Fisk’s gymnasts showed that excellence and innovation could thrive at an HBCU.
Competitive Success and Cultural Impact
Even as a young program, Fisk gymnastics quickly earned credibility. The team took on established Division I and II programs and often outperformed expectations.
Meets drew big crowds, social media buzzed, and the program became one of college gymnastics’ hottest stories.
Morgan Price stood at the center of it all. She became the program’s most celebrated athlete—a three-time All-American who made history as the first HBCU gymnast to earn a perfect 10.
That moment resonated way beyond the scoreboard.
Morgan Price and the Face of the Movement
Price’s achievements weren’t just about medals. She became the face of Fisk gymnastics, and honestly, the embodiment of what the whole movement meant.
- Elite Performance: She consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
- Historic Milestones: First perfect 10 by an HBCU gymnast.
- Visibility: Helped shine a national spotlight on Fisk University.
Her recent transfer to the University of Arkansas to compete with her sister Frankie marked a turning point. It was a personal step forward for her and, frankly, a sign that things were shifting for the program, too.
The Structural Challenges Behind the Decision
The success stories were real—but so were the obstacles. Unlike Fisk’s other sports, gymnastics didn’t fit into any existing HBCU conference structure.
That reality brought a tangle of logistical and financial headaches that just wouldn’t go away.
University leaders said the gymnastics team had to operate mostly outside the regional support systems that help keep costs down and scheduling simple for other sports.
Travel, Scheduling, and Financial Strain
Geography turned out to be one of the biggest hurdles. There just aren’t many gymnastics programs near Nashville, especially ones willing or able to schedule regular meets with an independent HBCU team.
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- Extensive Travel: Meets often meant long trips, sometimes across states.
- Higher Costs: Expenses for travel, lodging, and staff piled up fast.
- Scheduling Complexity: Finding regular competition was a constant struggle.
Over time, these challenges stretched the athletic department’s resources thin. Leadership had to take a hard look at whether the program could last long-term.
The Official Announcement and University Perspective
Fisk University officially announced that the women’s gymnastics program will end after the 2026 season. This gives current student-athletes a chance to finish their careers or look at transferring elsewhere.
Athletic Director Valencia Jordan expressed pride in everything the program accomplished. Still, she stressed the need to focus on sports that fit better within the HBCU Athletic Conference model.
Coverage by Diverse Education shared more about the announcement, the program’s historic achievements, and the tough realities behind the decision.
Support for Student-Athletes and Staff
University officials say they’re committed to supporting everyone affected by the closure. That includes academic advising, help with transfers, and career support for athletes and staff alike.
- Student-Athletes: Guidance on eligibility and transfer options.
- Coaching Staff: Professional support during the transition.
- Program Legacy: Recognition for what the team achieved.
This phased wind-down tries to balance fiscal responsibility with some compassion and respect for those involved.
Ripple Effects Across HBCU Athletics
Fisk’s experiment briefly sparked similar efforts at other HBCUs. Talladega College started its own women’s gymnastics program in 2024, hoping to keep the momentum going.
But that program closed after just one season because of financial constraints.
It’s a tough reminder: innovation in college sports takes more than vision. You need infrastructure and shared support systems, too.
Lessons for Future Expansion
The rise and fall of Fisk gymnastics offers some real lessons for schools thinking about non-traditional sports.
- Conference Alignment Matters: Shared travel and scheduling can keep costs down.
- Long-Term Funding Is Critical: Excitement at launch has to be backed by sustainable budgets.
- Support Systems Are Essential: New sports need regional and national partnerships to survive.
A Legacy That Outlasts the Program
Fisk University’s women’s gymnastics program is ending soon. Still, its impact lingers in ways that are hard to ignore.
This team challenged old norms and pushed for more representation. HBCUs don’t usually lead innovation in gymnastics, but Fisk proved they absolutely can.
For athletes and fans, and even young gymnasts watching from afar, Fisk gymnastics showed what’s possible. It opened doors and sparked new conversations.
College sports keep changing, but I think Fisk’s bold move will stick in people’s minds. It reshaped how we see things and set the stage for more opportunities, even if the future looks a bit uncertain now.