Trailblazing Moment: Black Teen Joins Historic Gymnastics Team at Talladega College, an HBCU!
Following the inauguration of its gymnastics program last year, Fisk University will be succeeded by Talladega College as the second Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to establish such a team.
An Alabama-based Historically Black college successfully recruited a teenager from Minneapolis to become a part of their inaugural gymnastics team. Following the introduction of its gymnastics program last year, Fisk University paved the way for Talladega College to become the second HBCU with a team. After more than a decade of dedicated training and cherishing the dream of college-level competition, 19-year-old Diamond Cook successfully secured her spot on the team.
Sharon Cook, the mother of Diamond Cook, affectionately referred to her daughter as a “Diamond in the rough.” In a recent news release, it was announced that Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG) and Talladega College joined forces with the HBCU Gymnastics Alliance to introduce the college’s inaugural women’s artistic gymnastics team earlier this year.
Talladega College President, Gregory J. Vincent, expressed that this historic moment will leave a lasting impact. He mentioned that the establishment of a women’s gymnastics team at the college will open doors for HBCU student-athletes, providing them with opportunities to excel in a fulfilling sport that nurtures discipline, confidence, and achievement. In a statement, Vincent emphasized that the women’s gymnastics team will foster student and alumni engagement, instill pride, elevate the college’s reputation, and contribute to the creation of a diverse pipeline of talented gymnasts.
According to Michael Grant, the Vice President and Athletic Director of Talladega College, having a team will result in increased visibility and recognition for their athletes.
Encouraged by her mother, Sharon Cook, Diamond attended a Brown Girls Do Gymnastics camp during the summer, showcasing her remarkable balance beam abilities. During the camp, she caught the attention of Aja Sims-Fletcher, the head gymnastics coach at Talladega College and a three-time All-American gymnast, who noticed a spark and energy in her that was truly captivating. Impressed by her skills, Aja Sims-Fletcher expressed her desire for Diamond to join the team, saying, “You are very good, and I would love for you to be a part of this team,” as reported by FOX 9.
Following her acceptance, Diamond Cook enthusiastically expressed her desire, stating, “I would love to be on that team.”
According to FOX 9, Diamond Cook wants to learn more about what it takes to reach higher levels of success.
“I’m going to be making history, which is really exciting,” she said.
