BULLDOGS COMPETE FOR “SOMETHING BIGGER THAN US”
On a national stage thousands of miles from home, the Wilberforce University women’s gymnastics team delivered more than season-best scores and individual wins. They delivered a statement.
As one of only two remaining (Fisk is ending their program after the 2026 season) HBCU’s in the nation with a gymnastics program, Wilberforce stepped onto the floor at the Alaska Airlines Center carrying the weight and the promise of history. Competing in a dual meet against the University of Alaska Anchorage on January 23 and January 25, the Bulldogs proved that their mission is bigger than rankings and scores. It is about representation, visibility, and showing young girls of color, and women everywhere, that there is space for them in every arena, including one long dominated by a lack of diversity.
The Bulldogs tallied 171.35 points on Friday and followed it with a season-high 173.125 on Sunday, posting multiple season-best team and individual performances as they continue to climb the NCAA rankings in just their second year as a program.
“This team is competing for something bigger than us,” says Coach Morgan Byrd. “This was visible in every routine as these ladies put their heart and soul into every routine.
Leading the Way on the National Stage
Sophomore Saniah Smith emerged as one of the meet’s standout performers, establishing herself as Wilberforce’s top gymnast in two events. On Sunday, she anchored the beam with a season-high 9.425, capping a stretch where she has improved her score by more than a full point over four meets. Smith also led the Bulldogs on the floor with a 9.4, underscoring her consistency and leadership under pressure.
Just two nights earlier, junior Diamond Cook delivered a defining moment for the program. Cook won the floor exercise outright, earning a 9.6; the highest score of the meet and improving her previous season high. Her performance powered Wilberforce to a season-best 44.5 team score on the floor, with every Bulldog posting a personal season high in the event.
Season-Best Performances Across the Lineup
Diamond Cook
Wilberforce’s progress was evident on every apparatus, particularly on the vault, where the Bulldogs posted a 46.25, their third straight meet of improvement. Sophomore Sadara Mayhorn led the charge with a season-best of 9.45, followed by first-year student Kaleigh Garner (9.275), junior Sydney Smith (9.25), senior Mackenzie Butler (9.225), and sophomore Mikayla Clements (9.05). All recording their best vault scores of the season.
On beam, Wilberforce notched a season-high 45.05, led by Saniah Smith and supported by first-year student Myca Kelly (9.1), junior Jaidyn Bryant (season-high 9.025), Butler (8.975), and sophomore Madison Kelly (8.525). Bryant also posted a season-best 8.575 on beam during Friday’s meet, highlighting the team’s growing confidence.
The floor lineup displayed Wilberforce’s depth and diversity. Alongside Smith and Cook were first-year Madison Kelly, Mya Caines, and Kaleigh Garner. Each contributing critical scores. Friday’s floor rotation included strong performances from Caines (9.15) and Mikayla Clements (7.5), reinforcing the team’s upward momentum.
On the uneven bars, Sydney Smith led the Bulldogs on Sunday with an 8.975, while Friday saw her post a 9.025 to top the team. Contributions from Hannah Gouldbourne, Jaidyn Bryant, Madison Kelly, Promise Jean-Marie, and Mya Caines rounded out the lineup, reflecting a roster where every gymnast plays a role in building the program.
Consistency and Courage in the All-Around
Freshman Mya Caines, Wilberforce’s lone all-around competitor, continued to be a model of consistency. She posted scores of 34.675 and 34.625 across the two meets, improving notably on the floor and contributing across vault, beam, and bars — a testament to her versatility and resilience.
Bigger Than the Scores
The Bulldogs competing in Alaska — Myca Kelly, Jaidyn Bryant, Diamond Cook, Sydney Smith, Saniah Smith, Mikayla Clements, Hannah Gouldbourne, Sadara Mayhorn, Madison Kelly, Mackenzie Butler, Danielle Johnson, Mya Caines, Kaleigh Garner, and Promise Jean-Marie — represent more than a lineup card. They represent a culturally diverse team rewriting what gymnastics can look like at the collegiate level.
As one of the last remaining HBCUs with a gymnastics program, Wilberforce is creating a powerful legacy. Their presence sends a message to young Brown and Black girls watching from across the country: you belong here, too.
Photos from the meet are available and can be viewed by clicking the link.
With each flight, leap, and landing, Wilberforce University gymnastics continues to climb — not just in the rankings, but in history — proving that representation, excellence, and belief can coexist on the same mat.
Learn more about Wilberforce University at Wilberforce.edu
- Media Contact: Lena Arnold, Director Public Relations & Marketing
- Email: larnold@wilberforce.edu
- Phone: 937-708-5532
