Talladega College was off to a historical start when it became the second-ever HBCU to start a gymnastics program. However, history was cut short after the institution had to discontinue the program owing to financial constraints after just one season. Among other things, one athlete was affected the most. The first gymnast to commit to the college who also became the first HBCU gymnast from Alabama, found herself stranded amid this fiasco. Was sacrificing her dream an option? Never. Hence she had no choice but to find a new home to nurture her gymnastics aspirations.

Kyrstin Johnson had to make the difficult decision to transfer to Temple University after Talladega discontinued its program. The move was far from pretty. While talking to the insidegymnastics.com, she said, “It was hard. I didn’t really realize how much was being thrown at me at once. Even my own coaches had to help me realize that.” With her transfer, she lost her full-ride scholarship to Talladega, meaning she had to not only adjust to a new school, state, coach, and team but also find a way to finance her education. But adversities fade away in front of her passion and drive.

Despite the struggles, the transition ultimately led her to a fresh opportunity and a platform to showcase her talent in a new way. “It has not been easy, but as long as I do my job, we can get that fixed”. Before her transfer, the Maryland native had already made a name for herself as a first Four-time All-American and also claimed a national title in the vault event at USA Gymnastics Championships in 2024, with 9.8750. Moreover, she also secured silver in the floor exercise, scoring 9.8625. All of this as a freshman! Now at Temple University, she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances, and interesting song choices.

Adding her own flair to gymnastics, Kyrstin Johnson has gone viral for her hip-hop-infused floor routine. The inspiration struck her while riding in the car with her mom during the summer. As Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning “Not Like Us” played on the radio, she knew she had to incorporate it into her routine. The incredible dance routine was choreographed with the help of a Temple University dancer, Cristina Elliot in just under 30 minutes. Johnson’s performance at the Temple Cherry and White Invitational instantly gained traction on social media, racking up over 267,400 likes—and counting.

Johnson’s viral routine doesn’t just showcase her skills—it tells a story. She concludes her performance with GloRilla’s “TGIF,” featuring a universal drill team move before placing her signature crown on her head in front of the judges. Each song and dance move woven into her routine is a tribute to her personality, her culture, and her roots. For the sophomore, gymnastics is not just about competing—it’s about representation, self-expression, and resilience.

Despite the heartbreak and setbacks she faced with the Talladega fiasco, Johnson has turned her challenges into triumphs. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of staying true to oneself. While the closure of Talladega’s gymnastics program was devastating, the Temple University sophomore’s story proves that with determination and passion, one can rise above adversity and shine on an even bigger stage.

Kyrstin Johnson Fell in Love with the Vault Exercise at HBCU Women’s Gymnastics

The 2024 USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships‘ Vault champion is set to take her talent to the Division I stage. After the unexpected closure of Talladega University’s Women’s Gymnastics program, its first-ever commit and star gymnast, Johnson, announced she would be joining the Temple Owls Women’s Gymnastics team in the fall of 2024. The Baltimore native made history in her debut season, winning gold in the vault competition with a score of 9.875. What’s more, the Maryland native has more to offer when it comes to the vault!

Johnson’s love for the vault exercise has only grown, and she has successfully added the Yurchenko 1 and 1/2 vault to her skillset. “Some people take a minute to get comfortable because you’re literally running towards an object,” Johnson told HBCU Legends in February, recalling the challenge of mastering the vault. Now stepping into Division I competition, she hopes to help elevate Temple’s gymnastics program, which recently earned the Academic Progress Rate Public Recognition.

The sophomore’s passion for gymnastics and undeniable talent position her to make an impact at Temple. Her journey from an HBCU standout to a Division I competitor proves her resilience, and fans can expect to see more from her as she takes her skills to the next level.