History-making HBCU gymnastics program ends as star athlete transfers to SEC

Fisk University’s groundbreaking gymnastics program (the first ever at a historically Black college or university [HBCU]) is coming to a close just as one of its most celebrated athletes prepares for a new chapter.

The Nashville-based university announced on June 6 that it will discontinue its gymnastics program at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. The final season of competition will be spring 2026. The decision, according to Fisk officials, was based on the sport’s lack of affiliation with HBCU athletic conferences, which created challenges in scheduling and recruiting.

“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.”

Among those gymnasts is Morgan Price, the North Texas standout who rewrote the history books during her time at Fisk. Price made headlines in 2022 when she flipped her commitment from the University of Arkansas to join Fisk’s newly formed gymnastics program. Her bold move paid off: she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a national title, the first to earn a perfect 10 on the uneven bars, and a three-time All-American. Over three seasons, she captured six national championships—milestones never before reached by an HBCU gymnast.

Now, with the end of Fisk’s program on the horizon, Price is returning to her original commitment. She will transfer to the University of Arkansas and join the Razorbacks gymnastics team in 2026, reuniting with her older sister, Frankie Price, who has been a member of the team since 2022.

The move brings Price full circle. Born in Lebanon, Tennessee (just 25 miles east of Nashville) she later moved to North Texas to train and graduated from Coppell High School. With a 9.900 career high across all events and multiple 39.500 all-around scores, she now brings elite experience to Arkansas and will train under head coach and Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber.

As she heads into her senior season and prepares to join the talent-heavy Southeastern Conference, Price leaves behind a powerful legacy at Fisk: a symbol of what’s possible when opportunity, talent, and purpose align. Her story, and the short-lived but historic Fisk program, have left a permanent mark on collegiate gymnastics.

“Morgan Price has served as a phenomenal ambassador for Fisk University and embodied the incredible ways our institution continues its history-making legacy,” said President Agenia Clark. “I am extremely proud of all she has accomplished and the light she’s been able to shine on Fisk.”