CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After joining the Illinois women's gymnastics program as an assistant coach in August 2024, Aja Sims-Fletcher will retain that position on head coach Josh Nilson's staff. Nilson was named the program's head coach on Tuesday.
"When evaluating what our program needs to continue rising, Aja was the first person who came to mind," Nilson said. "She commands excellence while creating a culture built on trust and integrity. Her athletes know she believes in them, challenges them, and supports them—qualities that are essential to sustained success.
"In this new era of Illinois Women's Gymnastics, there is no better complement to my vision or coaching philosophy than Aja. She brings both elite-level experience and a deeply genuine, team-first approach. I couldn't be more excited to build this next chapter with her by my side. We're thrilled that Aja and her husband, Allen, are here to stay."
"I'm incredibly excited to continue with the Illinois program and to work alongside Josh in his new role as head coach," said Sims-Fletcher. "This past year, I saw firsthand the passion, vision, and leadership he brings to the gym every day. He truly cares about the growth of each athlete and the success of the team as a whole. I'm proud to be part of this next chapter and can't wait to see what we accomplish together."
In her first season with the Fighting Illini, Sims-Fletcher led the Orange and Blue to Round 2 at the 2025 NCAA Regionals. She helped freshman Chloe Cho become the third gymnast in program history to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year, while Cho was also an All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree under Sims-Fletcher's guidance.
Prior to her time at Illinois, Sims-Fletcher spent one year as the inaugural head women's gymnastics coach at Talladega College, where she became the second-ever HBCU gymnastics coach in the program's debut season.
Sims-Fletcher competed collegiately at Alabama from 2014-17 as an all-arounder. She was a three-time All-American (first team twice, second team once) and a four-time NACGC/W Scholastic All-American during her career. She now holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama.
The Orlando, Fla., native has coached at various levels, including high school, club, and college, and was a volunteer assistant coach at her alma mater.
