Fisk University recently made history after announcing the launch of an "Intercollegiate Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team," making it the first program of its kind among HBCUs and Tennessee-based institutions.

"Woman's gymnastics exemplifies the values of Fisk University: determination, excellence, and a commitment to a more just and equitable future," reads the university's statement on the matter. "These values have consistently been at the forefront of women's gymnastics, and Fisk could not be more excited to welcome these remarkable student-athletes to the campus starting this coming fall."

"In anticipation of this women's gymnastics announcement, Fisk University has already begun securing scholarship funding for these future student-athletes," the statement continued. "Fisk University also plans to host several conferences, clinics, and invitationals in partnership with organizations like Brown Girls do Gymnastics."

Dr. Larry Grover, Fisk's athletic director, had guidance from various advisers—including Rutgers University coach Umme Salim-Beasley and Brown Girls Do Gymnastics founder Derrin Moore—as he worked on behind-the-scenes preparations for the program. With this advice, Grover says he's hoping for a first-year team of around 20-30 athletes, though there's already been interest from more prospective students.

"We thought it was an opportunity right now because there are so many young women who want to come to an HBCU," stated Fisk University President Vann Newkirk Sr.

"We've got interest right now from 60 to 70 young women, and so with that kind of interest, we said it's better now than later."

"They have enough people who want to see these students thrive that they can bring in program like gymnastics that's not a typical or traditional sport, especially a non-traditional sport that Black and brown folks do," added Moore, whose Brown Girls Do Gymnastics program helps coach people in the sport.

Grover is planning on hiring a coach in the next few months, and the team will compete in Divisions I, II, and III.

Shout out to Fisk for bringing in this game-changing new gymnastics program!

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