Wilberforce University Commits to Gymnastics as Fisk and Talladega Close Programs

The landscape of HBCU gymnastics is changing fast, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel something about it. Fisk University and Talladega College are shutting down their women’s gymnastics programs because of money problems.

That leaves Wilberforce University as the last HBCU still standing in the sport. This article takes a look at what these closures mean, why Wilberforce is sticking it out, the impact left by athletes like Morgan Price, and what’s next for HBCU gymnastics as it wrestles with funding, media attention, and support from the schools themselves.

The Rise and Sudden Fall of HBCU Gymnastics Momentum

HBCU gymnastics once felt like a breath of fresh air—finally, some representation in a sport that’s been mostly closed off. Fisk University kicked things off in 2022 with the first-ever HBCU gymnastics program, and people definitely noticed.

Talladega College jumped in right after, then Wilberforce joined too. For a minute, it genuinely looked like a movement was building.

Then, just like that, the momentum vanished. Talladega closed its program after only one season.

Fisk announced it’ll end gymnastics after the 2026 season, blaming financial struggles and issues with their conference. It’s a harsh reality check.

Financial Reality Meets Historic Ambition

The main reason Fisk and Talladega are out? Money, plain and simple. Gymnastics is expensive—think gear, facilities, coaches, travel, all of it adds up fast.

Smaller HBCUs just don’t have the budgets to keep something like this afloat. Fisk’s athletic director pointed out that gymnastics isn’t even an official sport in the HBCU Athletic Conference, which makes scheduling and recruiting a nightmare.

Former head coach Corrine Tarver disagreed with that logic, but at the end of the day, the money just wasn’t there.

Wilberforce University Stands Alone but Unshaken

With Fisk and Talladega stepping back, Wilberforce University is doubling down. Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, the university’s president, said loud and clear that Wilberforce isn’t going anywhere—they’ll keep their gymnastics program running, even if they’re the only HBCU left in the game.

He called the program “granite” and “championship-driven” when talking to his athletes. That hit home for a lot of people, and you could feel the pride in his words.

Wilberforce doesn’t see gymnastics as a quick trend. They’re betting on it for the long haul, which is rare and, honestly, impressive.

A Commitment Backed by Action

Unlike some other programs that had to scramble for outside donations or sponsorships, Wilberforce is putting its own money behind the team. That might be the difference-maker.

The team’s already making noise, too. In their first season, Wilberforce gymnasts got national attention—not just as a feel-good story, but as real contenders.

The Legacy of Morgan Price and a Golden Era Cut Short

You can’t talk about HBCU gymnastics without mentioning Morgan Price. She became the face of the whole movement almost overnight.

At Fisk, Price turned the program from a curiosity into a national powerhouse. Over three seasons, she dominated Division II gymnastics, winning national all-around titles and sweeping individual events.

Her success brought a spotlight to HBCU gymnastics that hadn’t existed before. She inspired a lot of younger athletes to dream bigger.

Success Without Sustainability

Even with all of Price’s wins, the financial support never really showed up. Big sponsors, apparel deals, and major donors didn’t bite, which is tough to watch when the talent is clearly there.

Eventually, Price transferred to the University of Arkansas. She joined her sister and a team with way more resources, which says a lot about the uphill battle HBCUs face to keep top athletes.