The Isla Foundation, in partnership with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG), has announced the inaugural Isla HBCU Classic, a new event celebrating diversity, athletic excellence, and the rich culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The three-day event will take place Feb. 14-16, 2025, in Wilberforce, Ohio, and feature a meet between the nation’s only two HBCU gymnastics teams, Fisk and Wilberforce, alongside guest team Greenville.
The Isla HBCU Classic will highlight the achievements of marginalized athletes and emphasize the significance of HBCUs in the world of sports, with competition and performances from club-level gymnasts, collegiate athletes, and HBCU cheerleading teams.
Fisk, with support from BGDG, made history in 2022 by launching the first-ever women’s gymnastics team at an HBCU. In 2024, standout gymnast Morgan Price won the all-around competition at the USAG national championships, becoming the first HBCU gymnast to claim the title.
Wilberforce University, led by head coach and former Division I gymnast Dr. Morgan Byrd, will make history this season as the third-ever HBCU women’s gymnastics team. Originally set for a 2026 debut, the team is competing a year earlier than expected, with standout transfers from the recently disbanded Talladega program, including Kiora Peart-Williams and Jaidyn Bryant.
Greenville University will compete as a guest team in support of the HBCU gymnastics movement.
In addition to the collegiate competition, there will be a number of other standout events featured throughout the weekend:
- Divine 9 Step Show: A showcase of the rich tradition of stepping, featuring performances by members of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities.
- Cheerleading and Dance Exhibition: Performances from HBCU cheerleading and dance teams.
- Isla Invitational: A competition featuring two all-Black club gymnastics teams from Atlanta, and Detroit..
About Brown Girls Do Gymnastics
BGDG is a trailblazer in promoting diversity within the sport of gymnastics. From launching HBCU gymnastics programs to hosting annual conferences, camps, and advocacy initiatives, the organization is committed to creating pathways for Black and Brown gymnasts to excel in both athletics and academics.
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Article by Tyler Irish
