Gymnastics Team Makes History (Again)

Fisk gets their first wins over an NCAA Division I (SEMO) and DII (Bridgeport) in the same meet.

March 1, 2025

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (February 28, 2025) - On the final day of Black History Month, the Fisk University Bulldog Gymnastics team decided to leave an indelible mark in the annals of sports history. The Bulldogs' momentous win over the host Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and the University of Bridgeport marked a pioneering achievement: the Bulldogs became the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) gymnastics team to triumph over both an NCAA Division I and Division II team in the same meet.

A Triumph to Remember

Leading the charge for the Bulldogs was the star gymnast, Morgan Price. With a dazzling display of athletic prowess and grace, Price clinched victories in several categories. She emerged victorious in the All Around with a score of 39.35, demonstrated her exceptional skill on the Vault scoring 9.75, and showcased her finesse on the Bars with a score of 9.85. Price also tied for first place on the Floor with an impressive score of 9.875. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, captivating all in attendance. She was just as excited to talk about it after the meet.

"We pushed through all four events. We kept the energy high; we did what we know, and we came away with the W so I'm super excited."

Team Effort and Individual Excellence

The Bulldogs' victory was not solely the result of individual brilliance; it was a testament to the collective effort and determination of the entire team. Teammate Aliyah Reed-Hammon contributed to the sweeping success by claiming first place on the Beam with a score of 9.85, thus securing a first-place sweep for Fisk. The Bulldogs led after each rotation, and their combined score of 194.600 stands as the highest in team history. Remarkably, this was the second time in the same year that Fisk surpassed this formidable mark.

Interim Head Coach Nuriya Mack and staff played a pivotal role in guiding the team to this historic success. Throughout the week, the staff emphasized the importance of team cohesion and collective effort. Their strategic preparations and motivational guidance resonated deeply with the athletes. Liberty Mora, one of the team members, took the advice to heart, achieving her personal best on her Floor routine.

A Week of Preparation and Challenges

The approach centered on incremental improvements. "The challenge for the week was to get one-tenth better," said Mack. "That means that we get our legs pointed, we hit our handstands, we finish taller, and we are a lot more polished." This focus on precision and refinement paid off handsomely, as each gymnast rose to the occasion. Mack's words of encouragement and determination fostered a spirit of excellence within the team.

Liberty Mora's Personal Best

One of the standout moments of the competition was Liberty Mora's performance. All year, she faced challenges based on the judges' summaries, which pushed her to be more dynamic and polished. "We have been challenging Lib all year," Mack noted, "and today, she showed up." Mora's commitment to improvement and her dedication to the team were evident in her floor routine, where she achieved her personal high.

The Impact of the Victory: Team Effort

The Bulldogs' historic win extended beyond the gymnasium and resonated deeply within the community. It was more than just a victory; it was a symbol of perseverance, unity, and breaking barriers. As Mack eloquently summarized, "At the end of the day, it's about the girls. They are showing up for each other." This victory epitomized the essence of teamwork and mutual support, with each gymnast contributing to the collective success.

Not only was there a significant effort for the gymnast that dressed, Mack gave a special shoutout to the ones that helped with the equipment. "They are the backbone of the team. Without them we wouldn't be able to move and maneuver as quickly as we can. They make sure that the bars are set, making sure we switch between different vault settings, the mats are set. Everyone plays a part on our team. I appreciate everyone of our athletes, they appreciate each other, whether they are on the sidelines cheering, giving advice and encouragement. Everyone does their part."

Price put her two cents in on how the team came together: "My teammates are amazing. They always have my back, and I have their back. We know how to work as a team. We continue to improve and get better each week."

Looking Ahead

Fisk will try to keep the winning streak going when they travel to Shreveport, Louisiana to take on Centenary University on March 8.

In conclusion, the Bulldogs' historic victory on the final day of Black History Month is a celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and breaking new ground. It is a moment that will be remembered for years to come, not only for its significance in sports but also for its broader impact on the representation and achievements of HBCUs in gymnastics.

Meet Summary:

Team Score 194.6 (Highest in program history)
48.925 on Floor (Highest in program history)
48.25 on Bars (Highest in program history)
Recorded firsts in all four events and the All Around.
Has defeated their last five opponents and won the last three events outright.