The nation's sole HBCU gymnastics team, Wilberforce University, recently faced a setback with Head Coach Dr. Morgan Byrd making an exit from the program. But Bryd has her own reasons.

In a sudden transition of events, the head coach, Dr Byrd of Wilberforce Athletics gymnastics program, has stepped down after serving two years at the university to pursue advanced clinical training through a physical therapy fellowship and residency.

This leadership role change came at a very emotional crossroads as the team just wrapped the season with a record-shattering score at the HBCU Classic in March.

It is a bittersweet departure for Morgan as the team had just scored 186.075, which is a very monumental score in the history of the program, and also under her guidance, Diamond Cook had become the first-ever two-time All-American.

As Byrd leaves Wilberforce to pursue an elite medical fellowship program, she is stepping away at the absolute peak of her career, where she has helped the program reach new heights.

In response to Byrd's departure, the Wilberforce Directors, Roosevelt Barnes, released a statement praising the contributions made by Byrd during her time at the university.

Barnes celebrated her legacy, stating, “Her vision, dedication, and tireless work helped create a program positioned for continued growth, development, and success for generations of student-athletes to come.”

With Byrd’s exit, the program is now actively looking for a replacement for her position ahead of the team's third season. Also, the Bulldogs seem fortunate as they won't have to look far.

According to Gymnastics Now, a source revealed that the Bulldogs plan to promote the assistant coach, Alaska Richardson, to head the program for the upcoming season. She has served as the volunteer assistant coach for the past two years with a focus on vault and floor routine.

Making her the next head coach seems the right choice, as she was part of the Wilberforce before and can carry forward Byrd's legacy.

With Byrd's exit from the program, it certainly does not mean that it is the end of Wilberforce gymnastics, as they carry a legacy that is too important to fade away after the two historic seasons.

It is ensured that they are ready for the next phase of leadership.

Will Wilberforce Continue to Rise as the Solo HBCU Team?

Collegiate gymnastics has seen some unprecedented changes in the past, with Fisk University and Talladega College forced to shut down as they faced logistics and budget cuts that led them to close the program.

With these changes, Wilberforce Athletics gymnastics remains the only HBCU team in the nation. After being the solo team, there has been speculation regarding whether they will shut down, too.

But it seems the program's future is safe for now as Wilberforce University President Vann Newkirk reassured the athletes and staff that “gymnastics is here to stay” and will continue to be fully funded.

The university is currently partnered with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics, which is an organisation dedicated to young women of colour.

As the program transitions to new leadership for next season, it is safe to say that, as the only HBCU team, it will be the ultimate destination for gymnasts who want to compete in historically black institutions.

Do you think Wilberforce will be able to continue in the same way after Byrd's departure?

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Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Souvik Roy