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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Fisk University made history in 2023 as the first Historically Black College or University to launch a gymnastics program. Now, just three years later, the university has announced the program will end after Spring 2026.

The team quickly gained national attention, breaking records, competing nationwide, and inspiring fans across the country.

“I didn’t really realize we were making history or I was making history until maybe halfway through, because at the end of every meet we have to stay, Oh my God, sometimes an hour after the competition, signing autographs, taking pictures, meeting alumni from Fisk, and also letting the other little girls that were looking up to us and inspired by us,” said Naimah Muhammad, a former Fisk University gymnast.

Muhammad, who graduated in May, had hoped to mentor the team but was shocked to learn about the program’s discontinuation.

“Never expected it to happen, especially knowing how much support we got from not just people on the outside of school, but inside the school. The students, the faculty, the staff, the alumni especially really loved the gymnastics team,” Muhammad said.

The university cited the lack of HBCU Athletic Conference sanctioning as a major hurdle, making it difficult to schedule meets and recruit athletes. Fisk competes in the HBCU Athletic Conference, where gymnastics isn’t sanctioned.

“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 Valencia Jordan, Director of Fisk Athletics. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

“It was very much a shock when they announced the dismantling,” Muhammad said. “It made me very upset.”

Now, Muhammad and fellow alumni are rallying to save the program, launching a petition to raise awareness.

“At the end of the day, you can’t take away the history we made for the past three years that literally shook and impacted the whole world,” Muhammad said.

Since Fisk’s groundbreaking move, two other HBCUs created gymnastics programs. Talladega College in Alabama started shortly after Fisk in 2023 but ended its program in 2024 due to financial reasons. After Spring 2026, only Wilberforce University in Ohio will remain as an HBCU with a gymnastics program.

Muhammad says if she can’t save Fisk’s program, she will focus her efforts on supporting Wilberforce.

This story was reported on-air and written by Kelsey Gibbs and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Longtime breakfast tradition continues for friends who met through Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship

This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn’t have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child’s life. The story of De’Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone – through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.

– Rebecca Schleicher

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men’s soccer program welcomes 16 newcomers to the program for the 2025-26 school year, including some who joined the Badgers for the 2025 spring semester and boast a head start.
 
The class as a whole ranks No. 13 in the nation according to Top Drawer Soccer.
 
“We are thrilled about the depth and quality of this incoming class,” head coach Neil Jones said. “We have a great mix of freshmen and transfers who will each bring their own skill set, personality, cultural background and positional acumen to the program.
 
“I must give a huge thanks to all of our coaching staff who have worked tirelessly to put together this outstanding recruiting class. Coaches Nate Boyden, Simon Brown and Daniel Bermingham, as well as previous staff members Andrew Bordelon and Ryan Osborne, were all instrumental in putting this group of fine young men together.”
 
Meet the Badgers’ 2025 additions below:
 
Ola Arntsen | Midfielder | Hitra, Norway | Louisville | Sr.
Ola Arntsen joins Wisconsin as a transfer from Louisville. The Hitra, Norway, native appeared in 12 games for Louisville in his junior year, recording one start. He saw the field for a total of 490 minutes and tallied 10 shots and four on target. Prior to Louisville, Arntsen played two seasons with Evansville. He tallied two goals and two assists in 27 games with the Purple Aces. 
 
Why Wisconsin?
“Wisconsin has great academic and athletic programs. I believe in success with these guys. I look forward to playing games in the Big Ten Conference.”
 
Isaac Brown-Samper | Defender | Mystic, Connecticut | Austin FC | Fr.
Isaac Brown-Samper comes to Madison from Austin FC. He’s worked on his game around the world, including a stop with Serie A Sassuolo U16-17 and Serie C Ascoli Clacio U20 in Italy, as well as stops in Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Brown-Samper is a dual citizen with the United States and Costa Rica.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“The great team atmosphere and level of soccer.”
 
Caleb Capone | Forward | New York | Edgware & Kinsbury FC | Fr.
Caleb Capone arrives in Madison from Edgware & Kinsbury FC First Team in England, where he led the squad with 11 goals during the most recent season. A New York native, Capone trialed with Arsenal Academy U16 & Crystal Palace from the Premier League. He also attended three U-15 USA Men’s Youth National Team Clinics and ranked as one of the top 250 players in the country through the process.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“Other than the outstanding reputation Wisconsin holds in both men’s soccer and academics, the team’s philosophy led by [head coach] Neil [Jones] is built upon by work, effort and the closeness of all the boys.”
 
Reece Cousino | Defender | Tipp City, Ohio | FC Cincinnati (U17) | Fr.
Reece Cousino arrives in Madison from his hometown of Tipp City, Ohio, where he plays for FC Cincinnati Academy.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because it offers best in class opportunities both on and off the soccer field and it just felt right. I’m excited for the opportunity to develop and grow under the coaching staff and for the opportunity to compete for titles alongside my talented teammates.”
 
Gianluca Del Priore | Midfield | St. Catharines, Ontario | Niagara | Jr.
Gianluca Del Priore played in 29 games over two seasons at Niagara before transferring to Wisconsin. He tallied four assists in 16 games during the 2024 campaign after contributing two goals and an assist in 13 games as a freshman.
 
The St. Catharines, Ontario, native attended St. Francis High School and earned mention on the NCDSB Division All-Star team. He played his club soccer for Empire Niagara.
 
Aden Green | Defender | Sydney, Australia | Sydney FC | Fr.
Aden Green played for Sydney FC U20 in 2024 after playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers U18 team for two seasons. The Sydney, Australia, native represented his home country at both the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup, the Antalya Cup and 2022 Maccabiah Games.
 
An attendee at Moriah College for high school, Green earned most valuable player of the 2022 Australian National Schools Football Championships. He was also named Player of the Tour for the U16 Australian Schoolboys tour of the UK and Ireland.
 
Owen Hornig | Defender | San Clemente, California | Irvine Strikers FC (Calif.) | Fr.
Owen Horning joins the Badgers after a strong juniors career with the Irvine Strikers FC. The San Clemente, California, native assisted Strikers FC to the U19 MLS Next Cup runners up spot. The next year, the centerback helped the Strikers beat the Cedar Stars to lift the U19 MLS Next Cup. Off the field, Hornig was named 2025 valedictorian of San Clemente High School and earned a spot on the superintendent’s honor roll.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose to attend the University of Wisconsin because of the vast opportunities that it provides. Seeing the university and Madison in general for the first time was an amazing experience that showed me the amazing traditions, social life and the beautiful setting. Being a part of the large fan base at a basketball, soccer and football game truly highlighted the famous traditions that I immediately wanted to be a part of.”
 
Robert Kaemmerer | Midfielder | Torrance, California | Oregon State | Jr.
Robert Kaemmerer joins the Badgers after two seasons at Cal State Northridge and a short stop at Oregon State. At CSUN, the Torrance, California, native played 32 games over two season, collecting one assist in 16 starts during his freshman season and starting 15 of 16 appearances his sophomore year.
 
He graduated from South Torrance High School in 2023 and was named an all-league player in helping his school to a league title.
 
On the international stage, he attended the USA National U-15 Team Camp and the Peruvian U-17 National Team camp. 
 
Cal Kurzawa | Forward | Carmel, Indiana | Indy Eleven Pro Academy | Fr.
Cal Kurzawa finished off his senior season getting voted Indiana Mr. Soccer by the Indiana Coaches Association after he scored 28 goals and 13 assists for Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. The school’s all-time leader with 78 goals, he earned 2024 United Soccer Coaches High School All-America honors, to go along with all-state, all-city and all-district honors. During his career, his team finished as state runner-up, while also winning a pair of regional titles and a trio of sectional championships. Following his high school career, Kurzawa joined Indy Eleven Pro Academy.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I’m excited to be playing with new players on Wisconsin”
 
Aidan Martinez | Midfield | Austin, Minnesota | Minnesota United FC 2 | Fr.
Aidan Martinez joins the Badgers from Minnesota United FC 2 where he currently plays for the MLS NEXT Pro franchise. He boasts two goals in seven appearances this season after tallying a pair of goals and an assist in 19 gamed in 2024.
 
Martinez joined Minnesota United Academy after playing his freshman season for Austin High School. That season, the Austin, Minnesota, native tallied 13 goals and two assists in an all-conference season.
 
The midfielder comes from a soccer family, with his brother Andres Garcia playing for St. Cloud State.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because of the great coaches that I know will push me to be my best not only in soccer, but academics as well.
 
“After visiting the campus, I knew right away that it was the right environment for me because of how active and happy everybody seemed.”
 
Matias Mott | Defender | San Marcos, California | City SC San Diego | Fr.
Matias Mott, who spent the spring semester with the Badgers, arrived from City SC San Diego of MLS NEXT. Mott was named to the 2024 MLS NEXT Best of the Best West Team last year before arriving on campus.
 
The San Marcos High School graduate’s soccer experiences include a 2023 international tournament in Spain and France.
 
The AP Scholar and honor roll student’s mother played a year of tennis for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because of its amazing reputation both athletically and academically. Also, because I loved the city of Madison when I first visited and felt it was a right fit for me.”
 
Bart Muns | Forward | Amsterdam, Netherlands | UIC | Gr.
Bart Muns comes to Wisconsin as a graduate transfer from UIC where he was a two-time first-team All-MVC forward. A United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Team honoree, he tallied eight goals and 22 points as a senior last season, when he also earned MVC All-Tournament Team accolades. He posted 19 goals and 11 assists in two years with the Flames.
 
Prior to UIC, the Amsterdam, Netherlands, native played for Santa Barbara City College, where he scored 36 goals and 16 assists, and Southeastern Community College, where he helped his squad to the 2021 NJCAA national championship as national player of the year. He scored 19 goals and 11 assists as ICCAC Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and NJCAA All-Tournament Team standout.
 
Muns grew up playing soccer in The Netherlands before arriving in the United States in 2021
 
Why Wisconsin?
“Because of the big school, Big Ten and another experience after all the schools I have attended.”
  
Cristobal Porter | Forward | Concepcion, Chile | University of Montevallo | Jr.
Cristobal Porter started all 16 games for the University of Montevallo as a redshirt freshman, leading his squad with six goals and 18 points. He added a pair of game-winning goals.
 
Porter earned Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year accolades for his season-long efforts that also included three GSC Freshman of the Week and a GSC Player of the Week nod. He was at Montevallo for two seasons.
 
The Concepcion, Chile, native played for St. Johns School in his home country.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I came to Wisconsin because it is a great program and school, and because of the opportunity to play on the highest level of college soccer.”
 
Patryk Stechnij | Goalkeeper | Chicago | Chicago Fire FC II | Fr.
Patyrk Stechnij arrives in Madison from Chicago Fire FC II of MLS NEXT Pro and with international experience on his resume. Stechnij made his MLS NEXT Pro debut for Chicago Fire FC II against FC Cincinnati in July 2024 and earned his first start in October 2024 during the playoffs. He made his first international start for the U.S. Under-15 Men’s Youth National Team against Belgium in April 2022 in a 3-2 victory.
 
The goalkeeper made his first national team appearance at the U-15 level, playing with the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team in the Torneo delle Nazioni in Italy. The squad won its group, before going on to a fourth-place finish. He also earned an invite to the U-16 U.S. Men’s National Youth National Team for a domestic camp in Chula Vista, California, in 2022. Stechnij also attended 2023 Poland National Team ID Camp.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose Wisconsin because of the competitive program, strong team culture and the opportunity to grow both athletically and academically at a top tier.” 
 
Wade Stinson | Defender | Coventry, Connecticut | Northern Kentucky University | Sr.
Wade Stinson joins Wisconsin after three seasons with Northern Kentucky. With the Norse, Stinson posted two goals and one assist in his 44 games played. The Coventry, Connecticut, native posted a career high three points with a goal and an assist in the 2024 season. He enjoyed a career high 1527 minutes in his sophomore season and a similar 1407 minutes in his junior year.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because of its great and extensive history of successful sports teams and being an incredible institution. I knew I would be able to grow as a person and athlete as it is one of the greatest institutions in America. I know it will set me up for the future from the relationships I make and qualities I learn.”
 
Arien van Mol | Defender | Madison, Wisconsin | Minnesota United | Fr.
Madison native Arien van Mol joins the Badgers from Minnesota United FC 2. Named to the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup All Star Game, van Mol was named Minnesota United FC Academy Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season after transitioning from midfield to left back. As part of the U18 team, van Mol earned the award for his skill, leadership, attitude, inspiration and hard work.
 
A product of the Madison 56ers soccer program, van Moll played two seasons for Middleton High School. He also won two national futsal titles.
 
Why Wisconsin?
“Being from Madison, it’s every kid’s dream to be able to play for the Badgers. This city and university mean a lot to me. Being able to play at Wisconsin isn’t like playing for any team, it means something to me and I’m really excited to do big things here.”

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