Latest news with #MorganPrice
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Fisk To Discontinue Nation's First HBCU Gymnastics Program In 2026
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: Fisk University gymnasts cheer on their teammate during a meet at the ... More Orleans Arena on January 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by) In 2023, Fisk University made history as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to sponsor women's gymnastics. However, the university announced Friday that the historic program will be discontinued. In an email delivered to the student body, university officials shared their decision to discontinue the gymnastics program at the close of the 2025-2026 gymnastics season. The university cited scheduling issues and recruitment disadvantages as factors influencing the decision. Though Fisk and Wilberforce University presently sponsor women's gymnastics, the sport is not sanctioned within the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). The decision to cut Fisk's program also comes after significant personnel changes. In May, star gymnast Morgan Price announced her intent to transfer from Fisk for her final season of eligibility, instead signing with the Arkansas Razorbacks of the powerhouse Southeastern Athletic Conference. Price led Fisk gymnastics since its founding, claiming back-to-back national championships and delivering the first perfect ten in HBCU gymnastics history. Price's departure was one of two to shake the historic HBCU team in 2025. One month into the team's season, Head Coach Corrinnne Tarver resigned. Tarver had been at the helm since the program's founding in 2022. Despite the notable departures, Friday's news shocked many athletes, alumni, and fans. The 2025 season was a historic one for the Bulldogs. In addition to Price's five national titles, the team set a program record and notched seven All-America honors. CORVALLIS, OREGON - MARCH 21: Morgan Price of the Fisk Bulldogs competes on the floor exercise ... More during a gymnastics meet against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum on March 21, 2025 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by) In response to the news, recent Fisk graduate Naimah Muhammad took to Instagram to express disappointment for her teammates and program. Muhammad particularly disagreed with the university's reasoning. While the gymnast felt that she could accept financial rationale, the claim surrounding sanctioning struck a nerve—and rightly so. 'The reason gymnastics is not an HBCU-sanctioned sport…is (because) there's never been HBCU gymnastics before Fisk,' Muhammad said. 'HBCU Gymnastics started because of Fisk," she added. When Fisk jumped at the opportunity to make history in 2022, many hoped that multiple HBCU programs would follow suit. Unfortunately, the period following the historic announcement has been tumultuous. In 2024, Talladega College joined Fisk as the second HBCU to sponsor a women's gymnastics team. However, months later, the program was cut due to budget issues. Wilberforce University joined Fisk this past NCAA season as one of two active programs. Sadly, at the close of the 2026 season, Wilberforce may be the only program standing. Fans hope Wilberorce's program outlasts its predecessors, and the university encourages them to support the Fisk athletes in their final season. Despite the recent news, Muhammad attests that the fervor for HBCU gymnastics remains strong. 'Y'all don't know how many [direct messages] I get every single day – from parents, alumni, and gymnasts,' she said. They all ask – "How do I get my daughter to go to Fisk Gymnastics?'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU legend makes unique decision on NCAA future
She dominated the sport, made history, and carried an entire movement on her shoulders — now, Morgan Price is ready for one final leap. Fisk University's trailblazing gymnast Morgan Price has officially announced she will transfer for her last year of NCAA eligibility, ending a chapter that redefined HBCU athletics. The two-time national all-around champion and Division II standout isn't just transferring — she's aiming higher. 2-time National Gymnastics Champion Morgan Price© Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK Price didn't just compete — she built a dynasty. Since joining Fisk's newly formed gymnastics program, the first ever at an HBCU, she has collected an all-around national title twice, and in 2025, she swept all four individual event titles: vault, bars, beam, and floor. That feat stamped her as arguably the most dominant gymnast in HBCU history. Advertisement 'This place, and the people in it, have shaped me in ways I'll carry forever,' she wrote in her farewell message. With her Fisk résumé complete, Price said she felt 'called to step into a new chapter.' The decision, she admitted, wasn't easy. 'I've reached all of my goals and more… I'm eager to compete on a bigger stage and ready to push myself to new limits.' That stage, potentially in Division I, could be the final proving ground for a gymnast who's already made history — and wants more. Price didn't leave without honoring what Fisk gave her: 'Fisk University gave me a purpose bigger than myself,' she said. 'This is not a goodbye, this is a see you again soon.' Her message resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes, a testament to the cultural weight she carried and her continued influence on HBCU sports. Advertisement As Morgan Price takes this next step, one thing is clear: she may be leaving Fisk's gym, but her impact will echo in HBCU history for generations. Related: Super Bowl MVP and HBCU legend honored at 2025 gala Related: NBA legend and HBCU trailblazer dies at 88
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU gymnastics star, national champ hitting transfer portal
College Sports HBCU gymnastics star, national champ hitting transfer portal Morgan Price, the shining star of HBCU gymnastics, is hitting the transfer portal. The two-time national champion from Fisk University announced earlier this week that she's hitting the transfer portal. "This has honestly been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Price wrote in a lengthy social-media post. "But after a lot of thought, reflection, and prayer, I've decided to transfer for my final year of eligibility." Price was a nationally recognized high school gymnast and had committed to the University of Arkansas. But the announcement of Fisk University putting together the first HBCU gymnastics program led to a change of plans, and sent her to Nashville. "Fisk University gave me a purpose bigger than myself. It gave me a historic opportunity to be part of something no one had ever done before – to represent the first-ever HBCU gymnastics team on a national stage. Over these past few years, I've reached all of my goals and more. I poured my heart into this program. Every routine, every practice, and every moment in the gym has been filled with pride and passion. I've given this program my all, and it's given me so much in return." Fisk gymnastics star Morgan Price launches off the beam at UGA. (Steven J. Gaither/HBCU Gameday) Price shined as a freshman during the program's inaugural season in 2023, but became a national champion in 2024 in the all-around event. That came with national media attention, including an interview on Good Morning America. She then repeated that feat last month. But after two national titles - and a coaching change at Fisk University - Price is ready to move on. "I feel called to step into a new chapter – one that challenges me in different ways and allows me to grow even further as both a gymnast and a woman," Price wrote. "I'm eager to compete on a bigger stage and ready to push myself to new limits." Price wanted to make it clear that hitting the transfer portal didn't mean she didn't value what she gained at her HBCU. "This choice doesn't take away the love I have for Fisk nor is it from a place of leaving something behind – it comes from knowing I've laid a strong foundation that I am ready to build on," she continued. "I will always be proud of what we built and will continue to build. This place, and the people in it, have shaped me in ways I'll carry forever. FISK WILL ALWAYS BE HOME and it has given me memories in ways I will carry forever." The post HBCU gymnastics star, national champ hitting transfer portal appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 2:29 PM.
Miami Herald
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU gymnast Morgan Price repeats as national champion
In another historic milestone for HBCU gymnastics, Fisk University's Morgan Price has once again captured the national spotlight. The standout junior gymnast claimed her second consecutive all-around title at the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships (WCGNIC) on Friday night, scoring an impressive 39.350 to defend her crown. Formerly known as the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships, the WCGNIC showcases top-tier talent from across the nation. Price, competing for the only HBCU gymnastics team in the field, stood tall against elite competition. She outpaced SEMO's Taylor Ingle, who finished as the runner-up with a 39.225, and Bridgeport's Abigail Kenney, who took third with a 38.95. The HBCU star qualified for all four individual event finals with top-eight finishes across the board, further underscoring her dominance. But Price won't be representing Fisk alone in the next round. Her teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon delivered a breakout performance of her own, finishing in the top two on both vault and beam to secure spots in both event finals. Price's repeat performance is not just a personal triumph - it's another powerful chapter in the growth of HBCU gymnastics. Since joining Fisk, she's been a trailblazer for the sport at historically Black colleges and universities, proving that excellence knows no boundaries. Earlier this year she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to record a perfect score. "I know that that a lot of little gymnasts, whether they're a minority or not, look up to us because they see a whole team full of black and brown gymnasts doing the sport that they love, and it can show that you can also do (college gymnastics) as well, as long as you keep working hard and putting your mind to it," she told Forbes after repeating as champion. With both Price and Reed-Hammon advancing to the event finals, Fisk University is once again proving that HBCU programs can shine on the national stage in gymnastics. The duo's success highlights the continuing evolution of a program that has broken barriers and redefined what's possible in collegiate athletics. The post HBCU gymnast Morgan Price repeats as national champion appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Forbes
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
HBCU Gymnast Morgan Price Defends Historic National Title
CORVALLIS, OREGON - MARCH 21: Morgan Price of the Fisk Bulldogs competes on the floor exercise ... More during a gymnastics meet against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum on March 21, 2025 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by) The star of HBCU gymnastics shines again. Fisk University gymnast Morgan Price made history on Friday, successfully defending her national title. Earlier in 2025, Price became the first athlete representing a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to earn a perfect score in women's collegiate gymnastics. Heading into Friday's competition as the defending National Champion, Price told me she planned to 'stay in (her) bubble.' 'I've worked so hard for these moments," she says. 'I want just to go out there, give it my best, and do what I normally do…if I do, I know everything will fall into place.' As she has done time and time again, Morgan price delivered. This time, Price's crowning moment came at the WCGNIC National Championships held in Shreveport, Louisiana. Competing in the second of two sessions, Price would need at least a 39.225 to claim the title over Southeastern Missouri's Taylor Ingle. The sophomore started on vault with a 9.775, good for the fourth-highest score of the night. On bars, Price showcased spectacular flight and form on her releases, taking a step forward on landing for the second-best score of the session. On the beam, Price impressed fans and the judges. At the most critical moment of her season, Price nailed her skills and difficult double-twist dismount, landing to an exuberant celebration from Coach Nuriya Mack. Her score? A season-high 9.90. The score would hold as the strongest of the competition. Heading to floor, Price needed a 9.700 to tie Session I's leader. Averaging a 9.800 on the season, Price was capable of the win, but the All-American just needed to hit. In history-making fashion, the Fisk star nailed her opening pass, tumbling and dancing confidently to a strong 9.825. Her final total, a formidable 39.350, edged the silver medalist by over one-tenth. Just like that, Price had defended her historic 2024 title. History, once again, for Fisk's Morgan Price. In addition to claiming the all-around win, Price qualified to all four event finals with top-eight finishes on the four events. However, the star won't be alone in the event finals. Teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon was spectacular on vault and beam, claiming top-two finishes on her two events. Reed-Hammon will compete alongside Price in their respective event finals. Though Price isn't done quite yet, the title marks another notch in a historic career for the trailblazing athlete. Since Fisk University founded the first HBCU gymnastics program in 2022, Price has led the charge for the Bulldogs. In her freshman season, Price became the first HCBU gymnast to earn a 9.90. In 2024, she made national headlines as the first college gymnastics National Champion from an HBCU program. AUBURN, ALABAMA - FEBRUARY 2: Morgan Price of the Fisk Bulldogs competes on the balance beam at ... More Neville Arena on February 2, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by) Price initially committed to compete alongside her sister, Frankie Price, for the top-ranked Arkansas Razorback gymnastics program. However, when Fisk announced the creation of their historic gymnastics program in 2022, Price knew where she needed to be. She switched commitments, and the rest was history. Though her accolades are numerous, Price remains committed to elevating her team and HCBU gymnastics as a whole. 'I balance my personal success while also representing the larger HBCU community by knowing my worth,' Price tells me before today's competition. 'At the end of the day, gymnastics is a team sport…I do have those individual successes. But I really just keep that in the back of my mind,' she adds. Instead of focusing on her personal wins, Price emphasizes that she came to Fisk to prove that HBCU teams belong in Division I gymnastics. 'I came to prove that HBCUs can still score the same, with the same amount of meets as other Division I programs." Today in Louisiana, Price and her Fisk teammates proved just that. When asked about the impact she and her teammates hope to leave on HBCU gymnastics and the sport as a whole, Morgan answers with passion. 'I feel like my personal success and the team's success will really influence the growth of HBCU gymnastics programs," she states. Earlier this month, Morgan tied with Olympic Champion Jade Carey to win a vault title versus Oregon State, impressing gymnastics experts and fans. 'We are winning against Division I programs,' Morgan says excitedly. It's amazing to see how much growth the team has." 'We should continue to bring HBCU gymnastics to more HBCUs to just show and give more opportunities to young gymnasts,' she adds. With each monumental win and score, Price and the Fisk Bulldogs continue to elevate the sport. After Sunday's event finals and her two remaining years at Fisk, Price aspires to become a coach – specifically, she would love to coach a future HBCU gymnastics team. She often speaks of how important it is to inspire the future of HBCU gymnastics. 'I know that that a lot of little gymnasts, whether they're a minority or not, look up to us because they see a whole team full of black and brown gymnasts doing the sport that they love, and it can show that you can also do (college gymnastics) as well, as long as you keep working hard and putting your mind to it,' she shares. Though Fisk and Wilberforce University currently stand as the only HBCU schools supporting women's gymnastics, with gymnasts like Price continuing to pave the road for others, her dream (and the dreams of others) could become a reality. Watch Morgan and Fisk teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon go for more HBCU Gymnastics history during Sunday's event finals, broadcast live on Virtius.
