Morgan Price, First Black Gymnast from an HBCU to Win National All-Around Title, Leaves a Lasting Legacy as Fisk Gymnastics Nears Final Season

Fisk Gymnastics Program Will End After 2026 Season

Fisk University has announced it will end its gymnastics program after the 2025–2026 school year. The decision marks the end of the nation’s first collegiate gymnastics team at a historically Black college or university (HBCU).

According to Fisk, the program faced major scheduling issues and limited support from the HBCU Athletic Conference. Without official conference recognition, it was hard to arrange meets or build a strong recruiting pipeline.

Morgan Price Makes Unmatched Impact on Black Gymnastics History

One name stands tall in Fisk’s short but powerful journey—Morgan Price. In 2024, she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to win the all-around title at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships.

She didn’t stop there. Price defended her title in 2025 and swept individual event wins as well. Her success helped shine a bright light on Fisk’s growing reputation and what it represented for Black girls in gymnastics.

Representation and Recognition for Black Women in Gymnastics

Price’s achievements made headlines across the nation. More importantly, they inspired young Black girls who had never seen themselves represented in gymnastics before.

“It feels good because of the hard work that has been put in,” she said in a 2024 press release. “I didn’t know where I would place, but it was a pleasant surprise.”

Fisk Gymnastics Faced Challenges Off the Mat

Despite their historic moments, the team dealt with challenges behind the scenes. Funding was limited. Travel and training resources were stretched thin. Founding coach Corrine Tarver left midseason in 2024, creating uncertainty in leadership.

Still, the team pushed forward. Athletes like Allie Berkley, Aliyah Reed-Hammon, and Ciniah Rosby earned first-team All-American honors in 2025. Their achievements proved that talent could thrive, even without big budgets or full support.

HBCU Gymnastics Struggles to Stay Afloat Nationally

Fisk’s gymnastics program helped raise awareness of the lack of investment in HBCU sports beyond football and basketball. Talladega College ended its gymnastics program after one year. Wilberforce University only recently started theirs in 2025.

These facts point to a wider issue—HBCU gymnastics is still fragile. Without proper funding and long-term support, it’s hard for these programs to survive, no matter how talented the athletes may be.

A Legacy That Will Outlast the Program

Fisk University says it will support its athletes and staff during this transition. The school also plans to celebrate the team’s accomplishments throughout its final season.

While the end of the program is bittersweet, the legacy is undeniable. The women of Fisk gymnastics—especially Morgan Price—left a blueprint. They proved that Black excellence belongs on the mat. They didn’t just compete. They changed the face of the sport.