HBCU Legends

National Champion Morgan Price And Kyrstin Johnson's Historic Night At The USA Gymnastics Women's Championship

Morgan Price is the "Queen" and Kyrstin Johnson proved to be a rising star in women's collegiate gymnastics.

Kyle T. Mosley

Morgan Price (Fisk) wins the all-around national championship and Kyrstin Johnson (Talladega) came in third place at the 2024 Women's USA Gymnastics Championships.
Morgan Price (Fisk) wins the all-around national championship and Kyrstin Johnson (Talladega) came in third place at the 2024 Women's USA Gymnastics Championships. / USA Gymnastics

HOUSTON - Consider this remarkable feat of two HBCU institutions. In less than two years, Fisk University and Talladega have successfully established women's gymnastics programs with Morgan Price (Fisk) and Kyrstin Johnson (Talladega) pioneering the way.  

Fisk jubilantly launched the first program in 2022, and immediately, black and brown girls from across the nation decided to enroll at the storied school in Nashville, Tennessee. Morgan Price was one of the program's most coveted recruits.  

Morgan Price
Morgan Price / USA Gymnastics

MORGAN PRICE CROWNED AS THE QUEEN

Embarking on her freshman year, Morgan Price's exceptional talent, unwavering skill, and fierce competitive spirit not only propelled the Lady Bulldogs gymnastics program in competitions but also captured national attention. At the season's close, the USAG extended an invitation to her and several teammates to compete at nationals in Denton, Texas.  

At the 2023 USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Championships, Morgan Price finished in the top ten in the all-around exercises with a cumulative score of 38.40. This was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the growth and potential of the Lady Bulldogs gymnastics program at Fisk. It's a promising sign for the future of HBCU athletics.

This year, Price scored 39.225 to become the first USAG Collegiate National Champion from a historically black college and university.

Kyrstin Johnson
Kyrstin Johnson / USA Gymnastics

KYRSTIN JOHNSON IS A RISING STAR

Several months later, Talladega College made history as the second HBCU school to introduce a women's gymnastics program. The Lady Tornadoes made their debut in 2023, with Kyrstin Johnson as one of their recruits.  

The Baltimore native, who had a passion for flipping and twirling, had never competed before her arrival in Talladega, Alabama. Despite considering Fisk, she ultimately chose to place her gymnastics career in the hands of Talladega's leadership.

Johnson fell in love with the vault exercise and has successfully added the Yurchenko 1 and 1/2 vault to her repertoire. 

"Some people can actually take them a minute because you're literally running towards an object," Johnson told HBCU Legends about learning the vault in February. She continued, "Which can actually be hard for people. Honestly, I just happened to be really good at that event, and it's my favorite event."

A WONDERFUL NIGHT FOR HBCU WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS

Let's fast-forward to last night. Price and Johnson, despite facing numerous challenges, including barriers, a lack of resources, long hours of practice, school work, tests, and naysayers, qualified for the evening's all-around competition. They showed remarkable perseverance and determination, competing against gymnasts from TWU, Cornell, and the Air Force.  

Morgan Price, with her exceptional performance, claimed the 2024 USAG Women's Collegiate National Championship title, marking a historic moment as the first HBCU gymnast to become the all-around national champion. Kyrstin Johnson also made history, earning third place on the winner's podium. Their achievements are a source of pride for their respective institutions and the HBCU community.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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