NCAA Gymnastics Program Faces Collapse Amid Mounting Tensions and Tragedy
The world of collegiate gymnastics just got a jolt. Fisk University—the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to launch a women’s artistic gymnastics program—plans to discontinue the sport after the 2026 season.
This move comes despite the team’s groundbreaking achievements. They’ve earned national titles, set historic firsts, and brought pride to both the school and the HBCU athletic community.
The announcement follows Talladega College’s closure of its own gymnastics program, which had been the second HBCU to create such a team. Both schools have pointed to financial strain and limited resources as the main reasons for their decisions.
Athletes, alumni, and fans are left stunned and saddened. You can read the full report from Essentially Sports.
The Rise of Fisk University Gymnastics
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Back in February 2022, Fisk University made history by starting the first intercollegiate women’s artistic gymnastics team at an HBCU. Head coach and athletic director Corrinne Tarver led the charge, helping the Fisk Lady Gymdogs quickly gain attention.
Their first practice happened in August 2022. By January 6, 2023, they were already competing at the prestigious Super 16 meet in Las Vegas.
Former gymnast Naimah Muhammad performed the program’s first-ever routine. That moment marked the start of what many hoped would be a lasting legacy.
Historic Achievements in Just Three Seasons
The 2025 season was huge for Fisk gymnastics. The Bulldogs took down 11 opponents, won four straight meets, and even beat NCAA Division I and II teams in the same event.
They put together a streak of seven consecutive wins. But maybe the most remarkable moment came from Morgan Price, who became the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a national collegiate gymnastics championship.
Price secured the all-around title at the 2024 USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships with a score of 39.225. That’s a spot in sports history, no doubt.
The Sudden Announcement of Closure
Despite all this, the program’s future was suddenly cut short. On June 7, 2025, former Fisk gymnast Naimah Muhammad shared on Instagram Live that the gymnastics program would end after the 2026 season.
The university confirmed the news soon after. The gymnastics community was stunned—Fisk’s program had become a beacon for Black athletes in a sport long lacking diversity.
Key Factors Behind the Decision
Several things led to the program’s closure:
- Leadership Changes: Corrinne Tarver, who built the program from scratch, left earlier this year.
- Loss of Star Athlete: Morgan Price entered the transfer portal and now competes for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
- Financial Strain: Fisk has struggled financially, with FAFSA processing delays leaving many students unsure about their aid.
- Emergency Funding: In summer 2024, Nashville’s Metro Council gave $500,000 in emergency funds to help Fisk keep going. That gives you a sense of how tough things have been.
The Broader Impact on HBCU Gymnastics
Fisk isn’t alone in this. Talladega College in Alabama also made waves in 2024 by becoming the second HBCU to start a women’s gymnastics program.
The team had a promising debut. Freshman Kyrstin Johnson even won a national championship in the vault at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championship.
Talladega College’s Short-Lived Program
But the success didn’t last. In July 2024, Talladega announced it would end its gymnastics program effective July 31, citing the same problem—just not enough resources.
Athletes found out during a required Zoom meeting. They tried to raise $500,000 through a fundraising campaign but only managed a fraction of that.
Fisk’s team posted an emotional message on Instagram, saying it was an honor to compete alongside Talladega in their first season. They said their names would always be part of history.
Talladega’s closure was part of a bigger cutback in athletics. By February 2025, the school had also dropped men’s volleyball, acrobatics and tumbling, men’s and women’s golf, and both men’s and women’s indoor track.
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What This Means for the Future of HBCU Athletics
The loss of these gymnastics programs brings up tough questions about whether non-revenue sports can survive at smaller schools, especially HBCUs. Starting these teams was a big step toward more diversity in gymnastics, but keeping them going has proved a serious challenge.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
HBCUs often have to juggle tight budgets with the desire to give student-athletes more opportunities. Gymnastics is expensive—there’s equipment, facilities, and the need for specialized coaches. Without steady funding and real support from the school, even strong programs can fade away.
Still, the impact of Fisk and Talladega’s teams shouldn’t be overlooked. Just having them—even briefly—has inspired a new generation of young Black gymnasts to chase their dreams in college gymnastics.
Preserving the Legacy
These closures are a setback, no doubt. But maybe the groundwork Fisk and Talladega laid will help open doors later.
Alumni, fans, and advocates might keep pushing for gymnastics to return to HBCUs, or for new programs to pop up elsewhere. The real trick will be finding stable funding and making sure these programs get the support they need for the long haul.
A Call to Action for the Gymnastics Community
The gymnastics community—everyone from grassroots groups to national governing bodies—has a real chance to support diversity and inclusion in the sport. That might mean targeted fundraising, teaming up with HBCUs, or pushing for more financial backing for underrepresented programs.
Fisk and Talladega’s stories inspire, but they also warn us. Progress can happen, but it’s fragile if we don’t keep showing up for it.
These programs have done more than just compete. They’ve shaken up old norms and proved that, when talent gets a fair shot, amazing things can happen.
Even as the Fisk Lady Gymdogs get ready for their last season, you just know their impact will stick with athletes and fans for a long time.
For more details on the closures of Fisk and Talladega’s gymnastics programs, check out the full report from Essentially Sports.