By Solé Scott
Editor-in-Chief
Recently appointed gymnastics coach, Corrinne Tarver.
There is a new era on the mat as the university has named Corrinne Tarver as the new women’s gymnastics head coach.
Tarver has a long list of credentials and firsts under her belt, as she previously worked at Fisk University as the first head coach in their gymnastics program history. She was Fisk’s athletic director, nine-time All-American, facilitated in University of Georgia winning two NCAA national championships and in 1989 was the first African American women to win NCAA all-around national championship.
“I used to take the train everyday by myself to gymnastics from school; it was an hour commute every day,” Tarver said.
Her experience in her younger years as a gymnast was challenging, as diversity lacked in her beloved sport.
“I was the only one,” Tarver said. “When I first started doing gymnastics, like I didn’t have a role model. I didn’t have anyone to look to.”
Tarver competed against Dianna Durham who was the first African American national gymnastics champion, and finally saw representation in gymnastics.
“She was number one in the United States and national championship, and I was like ‘Ok, so we can get there,’” Tarver said. “I mean, I guess you can have a role model who is pretty much the same age as you, but I think it was more about just seeing someone and saying ‘ok, you know it is doable.’”
Tarver’s stats at the University of Georgia were outstanding and historical, as she helped win Georgia’s first NCAA title. At the 1987 NCAA championship, her floor routine earned three 9.70 scores — the first time an NCAA gymnast had achieved that.
The 1989 NCCAA saw a repeat from 1987, as the team earned another gold medal. However, she won the all-around title and became the first African American to do so.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Work degree in 1991, Tarver attended New York Law School and earned a Juris Doctor in 1996.
In a campus announcement on June 13, Director of Athletics Terrance Jones provided a statement on welcoming Tarver.
“Corrinne has extensive experience in coaching and athletic administration, and I hope her success as a student-athlete serves as inspiration to our student-athletes,” Jones said.
Tarver is planning to elevate the gymnastics team to bring more attention to the sports team.
“I love a challenge, so to be able to come in and make that difference, and help them get over the hurdle,” Tarver said. “Also, to make gymnastics more prominent on our campus.”
