Gymnastics Program FAQs
This FAQ was developed following an alumni-only webinar with President Clark, held on Monday, June 23
Why was the Fisk University Women’s Gymnastics Program discontinued?
The decision to discontinue the gymnastics program followed extensive due diligence and was made with the well-being of our student-athletes at the forefront. Several intersecting challenges—including the absence of conference affiliation, lack of competitive infrastructure, and limited external investment—made it unsustainable to continue offering the program at the level our student-athletes deserve.
Was this decision based on financial constraints?
While funding limitations were not the primary driver, the program required significant and ongoing financial and logistical resources. Despite national attention, the anticipated external support from sponsors and donors did not materialize beyond a single, non-renewed national-level gift. Fisk remains under-resourced, and our focus must be on creating a sustainable academic and student experience for all Fisk students.
Why is conference affiliation important?
Fisk University is a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), which is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The NAIA is a governing body for small colleges focused on character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Of the 237 schools in the NAIA, the HBCUAC is a subset—and it does not sponsor gymnastics as a sport.
Because gymnastics is not a conference sport in the HBCUAC—and the conference has no plans to add it—Fisk does not receive regularly scheduled competition opportunities. To meet national eligibility requirements, the gymnastics team has had to independently secure 6–8 collegiate-level events each season. These meets allow only a few individuals—not the full team—to qualify for national competition due to the non-conference status.
Could Fisk have considered alternative formats, like club status?
Yes, options such as operating gymnastics as a club sport were explored. However, the administrative, financial, and compliance-related requirements of maintaining a competitive club team—including access to specialized facilities, travel, and recruitment—remain significant. These pathways are not currently feasible within Fisk’s institutional priorities.
Did Fisk consider long-term sustainability before launching the program?
The launch of the gymnastics program marked a historic moment—Fisk became the first HBCU to sponsor a women’s gymnastics team. That decision preceded the current administration and was driven by a powerful vision to elevate Black women in collegiate athletics. However, over time, it became clear that long-term sustainability was hindered by structural limitations such as the absence of a training facility, non-conference status, and insufficient external investment. These realities demanded a thoughtful and student-centered reassessment by the current leadership.
Why not build a dedicated gymnastics facility?
A collegiate-level training facility for gymnastics typically requires 15,000–20,000 square feet, 20-foot ceilings, specialized equipment, and ongoing operational support. For example, a recent investment at Southern Connecticut State University exceeded $30 million. Given Fisk’s resource constraints and the sport’s non-conference designation, this level of capital investment is not currently viable.
Could more have been done to fundraise or find sponsors?
University leadership and supporters explored numerous options for sustained funding. Although the program received national media attention, a long-term philanthropic or corporate investment model never emerged. Fisk received one national-level gift, but the sponsor did not renew its support.
Why now—and what’s next for current student-athletes?
Fisk announced the discontinuation of the program with one year’s notice to give student-athletes time to complete the 2025–2026 season with dignity and plan for their futures. Notably, standout gymnast Morgan Price made the decision to transfer before the public announcement was made. Other athletes, including Aliyah Reed-Harmon and five additional seniors, will graduate in May 2026. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting all student-athletes through this transition.
Will gymnastics ever return to Fisk?
There are currently no plans to reinstate the program. However, Fisk remains open to innovation and growth in athletics. We will always celebrate our legacy as the first HBCU to launch a women’s gymnastics program—a distinction that will forever live in our history. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our gymnasts throughout this final season and invite the Fisk Family to turn out in support.