Wilberforce University’s Gymnastics Team Makes History, Aiming to Inspire a New Generation
Ohio’s Wilberforce University is stepping onto the mat, making history as the third historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation to launch its own gymnastics program. The team, set to compete in January, was accelerated by the unfortunate end of another HBCU gymnastics team, demonstrating the dedication to ensure this historic milestone takes root.
For Jaidyn Bryant, this marks her second time witnessing history in the making. “It’s so rewarding and be able to get to do it again is such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bryant explained.
Bryant first competed at Talladega College, the second HBCU to establish a gymnastics program, after Tennessee’s Fisk University. But after just one season, Talladega’s gymnastic dream was cut short due to funding challenges.
“It was hard, having to say goodbye to what I had and then opening up to something new,” Bryant acknowledged, “but I know everything happens for a reason.”
Bryant’s resilient spirit led her to Wilberforce, the nation’s first private HBCU, where opportunity blossomed. “Gymnastics teaches you so many life lessons, like determination and perseverance,” Bryant reflects, “I love the life lessons I got out of it. I made so many good connections with my coaches and teammates along the way as well.”
Now she’s a part of a historic movement, one spearheaded by head coach Morgan Byrd, a former gymnast herself who always dreamed of competing at an HBCU. “When I was a gymnast, I always wanted to go to an HBCU,'” Byrd said,
Confident in the team’s longevity, she attributes Wilberforce’s success to its robust alumni network and the unwavering support of the local community. “I do feel like Wilberforce does have a very strong alumni as well as community support,” Byrd noted. “Like the gym that we’re in – GTCO, they wanted to help us make a difference, as well as Dayton Academy.”
Byrd has accelerated the team’s preparation for its January competition.
“Now it’s just trying to reboot, reboot their minds, get in the reps, get in the sets. But it’s all about effective, efficient training since we are going so fast,” Byrd explained.
The team’s inception is about far more than just competing.
“It’s not just for us; it’s for also the little brown girls watching us and doing this, and we know there’s so many little brown girls that look up to us, and we know that every single time we take a turn, every single time we listen to a correction, we know we’re doing it for someone bigger than us,” said Bryant.
For decades, Black women have faced underrepresentation in the world of gymnastics, but this team is determined to change that narrative both now and for generations to come. Their journey is inspiring, serving as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of representation.
What specific opportunities and challenges do you foresee for gymnastics programs at HBCUs in the years to come?
## A New Generation on the Mat: Wilberforce University Gymnastics
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re talking about a truly inspiring story of perseverance and progress in the world of college gymnastics. Joining us is Jaidyn Bryant, a gymnast with Wilberforce University, Ohio’s newest collegiate gymnastics programme. Jaidyn, welcome to the show!
**Jaidyn:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** You’re making history with Wilberforce, becoming the third HBCU to launch a gymnastics programme. What does it mean to be part of this team?
**Jaidyn:** It’s exhilarating! It feels incredibly rewarding to be part of something so groundbreaking. Being able to witness history unfold, not once but twice, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience [1].
**Host:** You mentioned witnessing this happen before. Could you tell us more about your journey to Wilberforce?
**Jaidyn:** Sure. I first competed at Talladega College, which was the second HBCU to launch a gymnastics programme. Sadly, it was short-lived due to funding issues. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye, but I knew I couldn’t give up on my passion. When I heard about Wilberforce starting their own programme, I knew it was meant to be.
**Host:** Wilberforce is known for being the nation’s first private HBCU. Do you feel there’s a special significance in launching this programme here?
**Jaidyn:** Absolutely. Wilberforce has such a rich history of pioneering progress, and this team embodies that spirit. We’re not just athletes; we’re ambassadors for change, hoping to inspire a new generation of young Black gymnasts.
**Host:** What kind of message do you hope to send to those young gymnasts watching you?
**Jaidyn:** We want them to see themselves represented. We want them to know that their dreams are valid and attainable. Gymnastics is for everyone, and we’re showing them that possibilities are endless when we believe in ourselves and support each other.
**Host:** Well said, Jaidyn! We’re excited to see what the future holds for you and the Wilberforce gymnastics team. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
**Jaidyn:** Thank you for having me.
[[[1](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/morgan-price-becomes-first-hbcu-athlete-to-win-national-collegiate-title/)]
