Wilberforce University Director of Athletics Roosevelt Barnes has announced the resignation of Dr. Morgan Byrd as the school's Head Gymnastics Coach, effective immediately. 

As the program enters its next chapter, Byrd will transition from her coaching role to pursue advanced clinical training through a physical therapy fellowship and residency, reflecting her continued commitment to athlete care, wellness, and professional advancement. 

An announcement regarding the program's next head coach will be made in the near future. 

Over the first two years of the program's existence, Byrd built Wilberforce gymnastics from the ground up — securing training partnerships and athletic wellness collaborations, coordinating operational logistics, acquiring essential equipment and resources, and assembling a dedicated volunteer coaching staff committed to student-athlete development at the highest level. 

Under her leadership, the program made steady and measurable progress, culminating in a program-record score of 186 against NCAA Division I competition. The team also gained national exposure through competitions across the country, including a trip to Alaska, while helping elevate the visibility and growth of HBCU gymnastics by hosting meets on campus. 

Wilberforce University's gymnastics program marked a significant step forward in expanding opportunities within the HBCU athletics landscape. Entering the upcoming season, Wilberforce will remain the nation's lone HBCU gymnastics program. 

The program also continued the foundational advocacy work established by Derrin Moore and Brown Girls Do Gymnastics, furthering the mission of increasing access and opportunity for underrepresented communities in the sport. 

The foundation Byrd established will have a lasting impact on the future of Wilberforce gymnastics. Her vision, dedication, and tireless work helped create a program positioned for continued growth, development, and success for generations of student-athletes to come.