Fisk University to Shut Down Its Pioneering HBCU Gymnastics Program in 2026
New Article:
Title: Fisk's Groundbreaking Gymnastics Program Bites the Dust: A Setback for HBCU Athletics
In 2023, Fisk University made headlines as the pioneer HBCU to sponsor women’s gymnastics. Fast forward to 2025, and the university has shockingly announced the program's discontinuation at the close of the 2025-2026 season.
University officials revealed their decision due to scheduling clashes and recruitment difficulties, but the lack of gymnastics sanction within the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) also played a role [1]. The decision follows a string of personnel changes, including star gymnast Morgan Price's transfer to the Arkansas Razorbacks and Head Coach Corrinnne Tarver's resignation [2].
The news has left athletes, alumni, and fans reeling. The 2025 season was a monumental one for the Bulldogs, boasting five national titles and a record-breaking seven All-America honors [3].
Recent Fisk graduate Naimah Muhammad took to Instagram to lament the decision, particularly disagreeing with the university's reasoning that gymnastics is not sanctioned within HBCUAC because it's never been an HBCU sport [4]. "Fisk started Gymnastics because of Fisk," Muhammad asserted [4].
The roughest ride began when Talladega College, the second HBCU to sponsor a women's gymnastics team, had to cut their program due to budget issues [4]. Despite initial successes and strong community support, balancing costs and resources proves to be a daunting task for many HBCUs [1][2].
Wilberforce University joined Fisk in the 2025-2026 NCAA season as the only remaining active program, though the university's future is uncertain. Fans eagerly anticipate Wilberforce’s perseverance, hoping they will outlive their predecessors and inspire further support for HBCU gymnastics [3].
Despite the bleak news, Muhammad remains optimistic about the future of HBCU gymnastics. "I get tons of direct messages every day - from parents, alumni, and gymnasts - all asking 'How do I get my daughter to go to Fisk Gymnastics?'" she shared [3].
Key Challenges faced by HBCUs sponsoring gymnastics programs:
- Financial Sustainability: High costs and limited budgets strain resources.
- Infrastructure: Lack of dedicated facilities hinders training and competition.
- Representation: Historically low Black participation in gymnastics poses a challenge.
- Program Cuts: Gymnastics programs are often targetted in broader athletic cuts.
- Momentum: Struggle to sustain excitement and support over time.
The barriers outlined above paint a grim picture for HBCUs aiming to maintain women's gymnastics programs.
Sources:
[1] NBC News: Fisk University's groundbreaking gymnastics program faces shutdown[2] The Tennessean: Morgan Price transfers from Fisk to Arkansas[3] The Athletic: Fisk gymnastics suspends operations after 2025-26 season[4] The Undefeated: The Unsung Trail of Athletic Programs Cut at HBCUs
Note: Incorporated data related to the challenges faced by HBCUs in maintaining women’s gymnastics programs (enrichment data). The new article aims to retain an informal, approachable, and straightforward tone while providing relevant details in a clear and cohesive manner.
- Despite Fisk University's discontinuation of its gymnastics program in 2026, recent Fisk graduate Naimah Muhammad remains hopeful for the future of HBCU gymnastics, expressing that she receives daily inquiries about Fisk University Gymnastics, highlighting the sustained interest in the sport within the HBCU community.
- The Key Challenges faced by HBCUs sponsoring gymnastics programs encompass financial sustainability, infrastructure, representation, program cuts, and momentum, presenting significant obstacles for HBCUs aiming to maintain women’s gymnastics programs as part of their sports offerings.
