Fisk plans to discontinue its women’s gymnastics program following the conclusion of the 2026 season, according to an email sent Friday afternoon. The news was later confirmed to College Gym News by a former member of the team.
The announcement comes just three years after Fisk made history by launching the first-ever HBCU women’s gymnastics team. In the email, the university cited challenges with aligning the program to its athletics structure, noting gymnastics is not a sanctioned sport within the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), making scheduling and recruiting increasingly difficult.
The decision follows a period of significant transition for Fisk. The program’s founding head coach, Corrinne Tarver, departed earlier this year, and the university has been under financial strain, including delays in FAFSA processing that left many students uncertain about their financial aid. Nashville’s Metro Council stepped in last summer with $500,000 in emergency funding to support Fisk’s operations.
“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,” said Fisk Director of Athletics Valencia Jordan. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”
Fisk’s gymnastics team quickly became a symbol of growth and possibility for the sport, inspiring other HBCUs to explore similar opportunities. Its legacy, though short-lived, has left a lasting impact on collegiate gymnastics and representation in NCAA athletics.
Despite its short tenure, Fisk quickly established itself as a competitive force. The team made headlines from its debut meet in 2023, and most recently, Morgan Price, who has since transferred to Arkansas for her final year of eligibility, capped an impressive season by sweeping the individual event finals at the 2025 WCGNICs. She also secured her second consecutive national all-around title, cementing her status as one of the top gymnasts in the country and a symbol of what Fisk’s groundbreaking program made possible.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Article by Jessica Brock and Elizabeth Grimsley