Fisk University to End Historic HBCU Gymnastics Program

Fisk University is closing a groundbreaking chapter in collegiate athletics. The university has announced the discontinuation of its women’s gymnastics program, effective May 2026. As the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to field a gymnastics team, the program’s end marks the conclusion of a brief but monumental era of representation in the sport.

A Legacy of Firsts

Fisk University made history in 2023 when it launched the nation’s first HBCU gymnastics team. For many, the program was about more than just competition; it was about visibility. Team captain and four-time national qualifier Liberty Mora recalled the emotional weight of their debut at the Super 16 gymnastics meet in Las Vegas, noting that the team’s presence provided critical representation for Black gymnasts.

Over its three-year existence, the program proved that nontraditional sports have a place at Black colleges, paving the way for other HBCUs to explore athletics like lacrosse, wrestling, and golf.

The Final Season and National Success

Despite the announcement that the 2025-26 season would be the team’s last, the gymnasts continued to compete at a high level. The program concluded its journey at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships in March, where several athletes earned top honors:

• Allie Berkley: Second place in Vault
• Aliyah Reed-Hammon: Third place on Beam
• Ciniah Rosby: Fourth place in the All-Around

The university has expressed gratitude for the dedication of the coaches, staff, and student-athletes who built the program from the ground up and has committed to supporting them through a seamless transition following the program’s end in May 2026.

Challenges Facing HBCU Gymnastics

The decision to discontinue the program didn’t happen in a vacuum. Fisk University cited scheduling and recruiting challenges as the primary reasons for the closure. These hurdles aren’t unique to Fisk; other HBCUs have struggled to maintain similar programs.

Talladega College launched a gymnastics program in 2024 but discontinued it after just one season. Similarly, Ohio’s Wilberforce University ended its program in 2025. These closures highlight the systemic difficulties in sustaining gymnastics at the HBCU level, despite the clear demand for representation.

Key Takeaways: The Rise and Fall of Fisk Gymnastics

• Historic Milestone: Established in 2023 as the first-ever HBCU gymnastics team.
• Closing Date: The program will officially end in May 2026.
• Primary Obstacles: Recruitment and scheduling issues led to the discontinuation.
• Lasting Impact: The program demonstrated the viability of nontraditional sports at HBCUs and achieved significant success at the national level.

Looking Forward

While the Fisk gymnastics team is saying its final farewell, the impact of their three-year run remains. By breaking barriers and securing national placements, these athletes proved that Black gymnasts can excel at the collegiate level within the HBCU system. The legacy of the program serves as a blueprint for future efforts to diversify the sport of gymnastics.