America’s first HBCU gymnastics team, the Fisk University Lady Bulldogs gymnastics team is poised to blaze a new trail once again. This time, they are not just competing – they are spearheading an historic gymnastics meet that will unite six African American women head coaches for an unprecedented competition.
On Monday, January 15, 2024, the hallowed halls of Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gymnasium will witness history in the making. On that day, representatives from Brown University, Iowa State University, Rutgers University, Talladega College, William & Mary University, and of course, Fisk University will converge under one roof for this groundbreaking event.
Corrinne Tarver, Head Coach of the Fisk University gymnastics team, captures the significance of this gathering.
“When Talladega announced they were adding a team and Iowa State hired Ashley Greig, I realized this was a historic moment,” Tarver says. “I approached each coach and pitched the idea of having a historic competition featuring every African American coach on the floor together. The idea has been embraced by everyone involved. I cannot say enough about Vanderbilt University and my colleagues at Fisk for all they have done to make this dream a reality.”
This meet transcends the realm of athletic competition; it serves as a powerful celebration of African American inclusion and excellence within the world of gymnastics. This competition embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message of progress and perseverance. It represents a giant leap forward for NCAA Women’s Gymnastics, paving the way for more diversity in the sport.
“This historic meet is a powerful testament to the incredible progress we are making in the sport of gymnastics,” said Fisk University President Dr. Agenia Walker Clark. “I am profoundly honored to witness this momentous occasion and I encourage everyone to join us in cheering on these remarkable young women as they take flight on the gymnastics floor.”
The meet, celebrating African American inclusion in this beloved sport, has been adopted as an official event of Nashville’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of celebration. Tarver says she’s excited that Vanderbilt accepted the invitation to be a partner in hosting the meet. Further, she says she hopes this event will not only acknowledge the contribution of African Americans to the sport but also help foster inclusion and encourage more to join the world of gymnastics.
“This will be the first event of this kind in the history of our sport,” said Tarver. “There are some more exciting things that will be happening around it. Vanderbilt has been a great partner. We are glad that the Nashville MLK Day Committee is also a partner. We want the whole city to come out to watch.”
Assistant Coach India Anderson and Volunteer Assistant Coach Russell Warfield agree.
Tickets are free for all students with a valid college ID. General admission tickets can be purchased through Fisk University’s athletics website: https://www.fiskathletics.com/, or the Vanderbilt Athletics ticket page. Select the January 15, 2024 Women’s Gymnastics event from the 2023-24 schedule and become part of this inspiring event.
Adult General Admission Tickets are $15.00; Adult Reserved Chairback Tickets are $20.00; GA Group Tickets (min of 10 tickets) are $10.00; Reserved Group (min. of 10 tickets) are $15.00; Youth (12 and Under) General Admission Tickets are $7.00; and Youth (12 and Under) Reserved Chairback Tickets are $10.00. Reserve seating will be in Sections A-E & 2A-2E of memorial Gym; General Admission Seating will be all other sections. College student tickets are free by showing ID at Gate #1. Tickets ordered online will be delivered digitally closer to the event date.
