Chambana Sun

After joining the Illinois women's gymnastics program as an assistant coach in August 2024, Aja Sims-Fletcher will continue in that role under head coach Josh Nilson. Nilson was appointed as 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 stated. "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."

Nilson added, "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."

Sims-Fletcher expressed her enthusiasm about continuing with the Illinois program: "I'm incredibly excited to continue with the Illinois program and to work alongside Josh in his new role as head coach," she said. "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."

During her first season with the Fighting Illini, Sims-Fletcher led the team to Round 2 at the 2025 NCAA Regionals. She also guided freshman Chloe Cho in becoming only the third gymnast in program history to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors while earning All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team recognition.

Before joining Illinois, Sims-Fletcher served for one year as Talladega College's inaugural head women's gymnastics coach, becoming only the second-ever HBCU gymnastics coach during its debut season.

Sims-Fletcher competed collegiately at Alabama from 2014-17 as an all-arounder. During her career there, she earned three-time All-American honors (first team twice, second team once) and four-time NACGC/W Scholastic All-American recognition. She holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science along with a Master of Business Administration from Alabama.

Originally from Orlando, Fla., Sims-Fletcher has coached at various levels including high school, club teams, college programs and volunteered as an assistant coach at her alma mater.