HBCU gymnastics coach surprisingly resigns after historic program start

By Chris Stevens

Less than three years into their program’s history, the Fisk University gymnastics team will have a new leader for the remainder of the season.

The university announced that Nuriya Mack will serve as interim head coach following Corrine Tarver’s sudden resignation. Mack was hired by Tarver as the program’s meeting director and social media manager upon their 2023 beginning.

Bulldogs athletic director Valencia Jordan said in a statement, “Fisk has built a strong gymnastics program that has become a beacon of light for the university and young ladies nationwide. The future of Fisk University’s gymnastics program remains bright and dynamic. The university is poised to embrace new leadership and will continue to fervently support our young women who will give their all in every competition.

Mack said, “I am thrilled to lead Fisk’s gymnastics team and continue building upon the team’s success. It is an honor to guide these student athletes and contribute to the program’s growth.”

No reason was given for Tarver’s departure. Fisk also announced that a search for a permanent head coach will begin shortly. Fisk, the first HBCU to start a gymnastics program, recently celebrated the first perfect 10 by an HBCU gymnast as HBCU Sports’ Female Athlete of the Year Morgan Price achieved the feat during her bar routine at Temple University Saturday, Feb. 8