

For Morgan Price, choosing to compete for Fisk University was about more than just gymnastics. It was about representation, legacy, and paving the way for future generations. The decision wasn’t easy either! Her faith propelled her forward, and she made history in April 2024, proving her decision right. Her dominance has not only propelled her into the national spotlight but also led to appearances on major morning shows and a surge in online followers. Now, she reflects on her journey as she inspires more than just fellow gymnasts.
Price’s commitment to her dreams was evident from the very beginning. She had initially committed to the University of Arkansas but made a bold decision to decommit when she learned that Fisk University would be launching its gymnastics program in her freshman year.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “My goal was obviously to like win those individually, but I was really like, you know, like if it doesn’t happen, it’s OK as long as I’m putting in all the work, working my hardest.” This relentless drive led her to the historic moment in April 2024 when she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to claim a national title.
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This milestone cemented her place in collegiate gymnastics history. But for Price, this journey was always about something greater than personal accolades. “
The reason as to why I did switch from Arkansas, but like at the end of the day, it was bigger than gymnastics. It was so that people know that HBCUs can still compete with the top schools and still be able to win and get those high scores.“
But she didn’t just prove that point once—earlier this month, she made history yet again by becoming the first gymnast from an HBCU to earn a perfect score on the Uneven Bars, further solidifying Fisk University’s place on the collegiate gymnastics map. Beyond her achievements in gymnastics, Morgan Price’s connection to Fisk University and Nashville runs deep.
Born and raised in Nashville before moving to North Texas to pursue gymnastics, her return to the city made her success even more meaningful. But she’s not just excelling in athletics—Price is embracing her college experience to the fullest. She’s a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and holds the title of Miss Black and Gold for her university’s chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
The latter holds special significance for her, as it allows her to honor her late father. Her father, Chris, was a member of the fraternity before his tragic passing in a motorcycle accident in 2009. Her achievement has not only raised the stature of Fisk University’s heritage but has also shown that HBCU players can also have their standing against the best in the country. With her record-breaking feats and unrelenting commitment, her transition from Arkansas to Fisk has paved the way for generations to come.
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Is Morgan Price's journey proof that legacy and representation outweigh traditional prestige in sports?
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Morgan Price’s Gymnastics Journey from Arkansas to Fisk University
Morgan Price was a 5-star recruit heading towards NCAA greatness, holding a full-ride scholarship to the University of Arkansas, when she took the unprecedented step of competing for Fisk University. The program didn’t even have its own gymnastics gym when she joined. Arkansas had a top-25 NCAA program, and Morgan’s mom, Marsha Price, described it as “the bells and whistles.”
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But for Morgan Price, the decision was more than about facilities and prestige; it was about representation and legacy. Morgan Price emerged as a top recruit for college teams. This was primarily due to her level of difficulty, placing her among the top NCAA gymnasts in the nation. After all, she has a full-twisting Yurchenko on vault and a one-and-a-half twist in her arsenal.
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On the mat, her favorite competition is doing a two-and-a-half twist. For that, she has to practice a double layout, triple twist, and full-in. At 16, Morgan toured five schools, looking to compete for an SEC school. But when she began at Fisk in the fall, it was a surprise turn in what had been otherwise a conventional path for a top American gymnast.
If Morgan Price had gone to Arkansas, she would have had the chance to compete alongside her sister for team titles. She also would have been in the running for individual NCAA championship glory and had plenty of visibility to secure lucrative NIL deals. However, Morgan chose a different path, one that was bigger than herself. But it will be remembered as the one that would show the world that HBCUs can produce champions too.
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Is Morgan Price's journey proof that legacy and representation outweigh traditional prestige in sports?