Fisk University Gymnastics Report

Being the first intercollegiate gymnastics team at an HBCU, the Lady Gym Dogs have done more than help the school. The women on the gymnastics team have brought inspiration and growth to the African American community. In their first year, the gymnastics team has sold out meets, garnered much attention from numerous high-profile media sources, and even competed on ESPN several times. Being the first intercollegiate gymnastics team at an HBCU, the Lady Gym Dogs have done more than help the school.

First-year coach Corrinne Tarver stated, "It's important we represent ourselves, our school, and the HBCU community." Tarver also gave her team-high praise for their attitude and competitiveness. When asked what she has learned about her team so far in the season, Tarver added, "I've learned that they're fighters, gamers, and like to go out there and perform. It's exciting to see them shine with all our hard work, and we're only going to continue to go up. There is always room for improvement, so I can only see this team getting better and better." Freshman gymnast, and 5-star recruit, Morgan Price (FR/Lebanon, TN) says, "I have learned that it is enjoyable to be around your culture. Since we are the first, we have a lot of eyes on us, and our support system is excellent. Seeing the fans and little girls cheering us on was super fun." During their meet at Georgia, Price won All-Around with a score of 39.375 and tied for first on vault the following week with a score of 9.875. She added, "My goals for the next competitions are to make all my routines and do the best I can."

Junior gymnast Kiara Richmon (SO/Atlanta, GA) currently holds a high floor score of 9.800. Richmon said, "There truly is an impact in being the first HBCU gymnastics team. It will inspire brown and black girls to keep pushing for their dreams. It also shows others that they can go to a school surrounded by people who look like them and still do gymnastics." Sophomore gymnast Liberty Mora (FR/Mckinney, TX ) said, "I feel like this experience is much different because we have many more eyes on us, and there is much more pressure. It is positive, though, because everyone wants us to succeed." Mora currently has a beam-high score of 9.825 and a floor-high score of 9.625 this season.

While they are not eligible to compete in a national tournament this year, the Lady Bulldogs still use this year as a statement year. The statement is that they can compete with anybody. With all their meets being against premier Division I programs, you would think they would be over their heads. However, when put on the platform, they have shown they can compete with any gymnastics program in the country, despite having less funding and resources. The Lady Gym Dogs have seven meets left for the remainder of the season; all but one are away. Locked in and confident in their abilities, the Lady Gym Dogs look to show the rest of the world what they are made of!

Fisk University Gymnastics
By Mehki Yant