When Corrinne Tarver stepped into the head coach role for Fisk University’s women’s gymnastics team, she wasn’t just accepting a position but embracing a legacy in the making. As the first HBCU to field a collegiate women’s gymnastics program, Fisk’s team is redefining opportunities in the sport and breaking barriers long entrenched in women’s gymnastics and collegiate athletics. For Tarver, a pioneer in her own right, the opportunity is a full-circle moment in a life marked by groundbreaking firsts.
“I’ve always liked being the first,” Tarver says, reflecting on her career. She’s no stranger to trailblazing, having been the first Black gymnast to win the NCAA All-Around title. But the opportunity at Fisk feels deeply personal. “This is a full-circle moment for me. Growing up, the idea of an HBCU gymnastics program wasn’t even on my radar because there just weren’t enough Black gymnasts. Now, I get to help rewrite that narrative.”
Fisk University: Redefining Excellence in Gymnastics
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Fisk University stands as a beacon of Black excellence and innovation. The addition of a women’s gymnastics program enhances this legacy, positioning Fisk as a trailblazer in collegiate sports and providing a much-needed platform for Black and Brown athletes.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to lead a team of talented young women who might not have had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level otherwise,” says Tarver. Historically, women in gymnastics have been overlooked due to outdated body standards or aesthetic biases, but Fisk is changing the narrative. “At Fisk, we’re offering them a stage to show the world what they’re capable of and redefining what success looks like in this sport.”
Tarver’s mission is to provide opportunities for athletes who have historically been excluded. She recruits not just for talent but for character, resilience, and teamwork, prioritizing students who will contribute to the team’s success on and off the mat. “Many of these young women wouldn’t have had a chance to compete in gymnastics if not for Fisk,” Tarver explains. “I want them to step on the floor and prove they belong, to say, ‘You didn’t recruit me, but look at me now.’”
This vision is embodied in athletes like Zyia Coleman, who never imagined attending college, let alone becoming a viral sensation for her TikTok post garnering over 800,000 views and 200,000 likes. Stories like Ziya’s are what drive Tarver and her team forward, inspiring a new generation of gymnasts to dream bigger and aim higher.
Making History, One Routine at a Time
For Tarver, building the Fisk gymnastics program is about more than just creating a competitive team—it’s about fostering a space where Black and Brown women student-athletes can thrive. Fisk’s gymnastics debut was nothing short of historic. In their first competition, held on a grand stage in Las Vegas, the team left an indelible mark. Tarver recalled one standout moment when Naimah Muhammad, a gymnast who had struggled with pressure during practice, nailed the team’s first-ever floor routine.
“I had tears streaming down my face,” Tarver said. “That routine was the perfect introduction to HBCU gymnastics—bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.”
Moments like these are shaping Fisk’s growing legacy. Tarver recalls a meet at the University of Georgia on MLK Day, where the team earned a standing ovation for their floor routines. Standout gymnast Morgan Price not only won the all-around that day but also went on to make history as the first HBCU gymnast to win a national title. The history-making continues again this season as Morgan was recently named as the first HBCU gymnast to get a perfect 10.0 score. “These are the moments people remember—the routines that showcase our talent and the unique energy that only HBCU gymnastics can bring,” Tarver says.
More Than a Team, A Movement
Beyond the scores and routines, Fisk gymnastics is a movement—a celebration of identity, resilience, and excellence. Tarver’s athletes are not only gymnasts; they’re trailblazers, role models, and ambassadors for both gymnastics and HBCU sports.
“They love being part of history,” Tarver said. “For many of them, this is the first time they’ve been in an environment where everyone looks like them, where they can truly be themselves. It’s empowering, and it’s beautiful.”
As Nashville embraces Fisk’s gymnastics team, it’s clear that this is more than just a sport—it’s a statement. A statement that excellence knows no boundaries and that history is being made right here, on the mats of Fisk University.
The Call to Action: Supporting the Movement
Despite its success, Fisk Gymnastics faces significant challenges. Without a home arena, the team spends most of its season on the road, which strains its budget and limits opportunities to engage with the local community.
“We need Nashville to rally behind us,” Tarver urges. “Gymnastics is expensive, and fundraising is essential to sustaining and growing this program. Fisk supports us as much as possible, but we need additional resources to keep this dream alive. It’s not just about gymnastics—it’s about creating a legacy for women in sports.”
Support the Fisk women’s gymnastics team by attending meets, donating to the program, or simply spreading the word. Together, let’s ensure this historic program continues to inspire generations to come.
Photo credits: Fisk University and Luke Dixon
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Wow! An excellent article! Kudos to the Fisk Gymnastics team!
Thank you!!