Aja Sims-Fletcher joined the Illinois women's gymnastics program as an assistant coach in August 2024 and enters her second season with the program ahead of the 2026 season. 

"I'm honored to join the University of Illinois gymnastics program," said Sims-Fletcher. "The passion and dedication of the athletes, coaches, and the entire Illini community are truly inspiring. I am excited to work with the team and contribute to our collective goal of achieving excellence, in and out of the gym. This program has a proud tradition of success, and I look forward to starting this new chapter with this amazing team!"

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.

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, the University of Alabama. Sims-Fletcher joins the Illini after most recently coaching at Talladega College, where she was named the inaugural head coach of their women's gymnastics program, making her the second-ever HBCU gymnastics coach.

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.