Fisk University to Bid Farewell to Groundbreaking Women’s Gymnastics Program After 2026: A Look Back at its Legacy

Fisk University will soon close its groundbreaking women’s gymnastics program after the 2026 season. This decision marks a significant moment in the history of HBCU athletics.

In 2023, Fisk made headlines by becoming the first historically Black college or university to launch a women’s artistic gymnastics team. However, this pioneering status, while noteworthy, also brought its share of difficulties. Competing outside the usual HBCU frameworks posed significant logistical challenges. The team struggled to find local competitors and had to travel long distances for meets, stretching both their budget and their schedules.

Athletic Director Valencia Jordan expressed pride in the team’s achievements. "While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” she said. She acknowledged the hard work of the gymnasts, coaches, and support staff who helped build the program.

Fisk is committed to assisting the gymnasts and staff affected by this transition over the next two seasons. This news follows the recent transfer of Morgan Price, a celebrated athlete who made history as the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10. Price has moved to the University of Arkansas to compete alongside her sister.

Fisk’s endeavors inspired other HBCUs to explore gymnastics. In 2024, Talladega College in Alabama initiated its own program, but financial issues led to its closure after just one season.

This trend reflects the challenges smaller universities face when venturing into sports that fall outside traditional conferences. Shared travel costs and regional completion are essential support systems for new programs. As more stories like this emerge, one thing becomes clear: while ambition drives innovation, sustainable support is crucial for success.

For more on the challenges faced by athletic programs at smaller institutions, you can check out studies from the NCAA here.

Source link