Fisk University to End the Nation's Initial HBCU Gymnastics Program in 2026 (Discontinuation of the First HBCU Gymnastics Program at Fisk University Scheduled for 2026)
HBCU Gymnastics: A Brief and Tumultuous History
In 2023, Fisk University took a bold step, becoming the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to sponsor women's gymnastics. However, just a few years down the line, the university had to make an unexpected announcement - the discontinuation of this historic program.
Friday saw Fisk officials sharing their decision to put an end to the gymnastics program at the close of the 2025-2026 season. The primary reasons cited were scheduling issues and recruitment disadvantages due to the sport not being sanctioned within the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC).
The news came after a series of significant personnel changes. Star gymnast Morgan Price, who led Fisk gymnastics since its founding, opted to transfer for her final season of eligibility. Head Coach Corrinnne Tarver, who had been at the helm since the program's inception, stepped down just one month into the team's season.
Despite these shakeups, the 2025 season was a memorable one for the Bulldogs. The team set a program record and notched seven All-America honors. Yet, the announcement left many athletes, alumni, and fans shocked and disappointed.
The decision to cut Fisk's program also questions the rationale provided. Naimah Muhammad, a recent Fisk graduate, shared her disagreement, particularly with the claim surrounding sanctioning. "The reason gymnastics is not an HBCU-sanctioned sport...is (because) there's never been HBCU gymnastics before Fisk," Muhammad remarked.
When Fisk paved the way for HBCU gymnastics in 2022, there was hope that other HBCUs would follow. However, the journey since then has been troubled. Talladega College joined Fisk in 2024 as the second HBCU to sponsor a women's gymnastics team. But just months later, the program was axed due to budget issues.
Wilberforce University is now the only active HBCU gymnastics program, having joined Fisk in the latest NCAA season. With Fisk discontinuing its program, Wilberforce's future hangs in the balance. Remaining supporters are urged to rally behind Fisk athletes in their final season.
Despite the gravity of the recent news, Muhammad remains hopeful. "Y'all don't know how many [direct messages] I get every single day - from parents, alumni, and gymnasts," she said, expressing continued fascination for HBCU gymnastics.
Embattled Past and Uncertain Future
Multiple HBCUs have faced challenges in sustaining their women's gymnastics programs. Structural challenges, financial strains, staff and leadership changes, conference priorities, and sustainability issues have contributed to the demise of programs like Fisk's. The early success of programs like Fisk's didn't translate into long-term viability, ultimately leading to discontinuation.
HBCUs wrestle with maintaining new programs, underscored by Talladega College's short-lived program. The story of HBCU gymnastics is one of euphoria followed by disappointment, as the distinct challenges faced by these institutions persist.
As we look to the future, the fate of Wilberforce's program remains uncertain, yet the passion for HBCU gymnastics remains strong. The question now lies in the willingness of HBCUs to overcome these hurdles, ensuring that the journey paved by Fisk continues.
Sources:
[1] Schouten, J. (2023). Fisk University will discontinue women's gymnastics team, citing scheduling, recruitment challenges. educationdive.com[2] Dysart, A. (2024). HBCU Gymnastics Program Faces Uncertain Future Following FAFSA Funding Issues. hbcugameday.com[3] Johnson, K. (2023). HBCU Gymnastics Programs Struggle To Stay Afloat Amidst Financial Constraints. hbcusports.com
- Despite the setbacks and discontinuation of Fisk University's gymnastics program, the passion for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) gymnastics remains high, as seen in Naimah Muhammad's ongoing fascination and support.
- In the future, Wilberforce University, currently the only active HBCU gymnastics program, may face similar challenges as Fisk did, but the hope lies in continued support and the willingness of HBCUs to overcome these hurdles, ensuring that the journey paved by Fisk continues.
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