Aja Sims-Fletcher named associate head coach for Auburn gymnastics

AUBURN, Ala. – Aja Sims-Fletcher has been named the associate head coach for Auburn gymnastics, head coach Ryan Roberts announced Wednesday.

Sims-Fletcher returns to the state of Alabama with a wealth of experience both as a coach and a gymnast. She most recently spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois.

“Aja is exactly who we want representing Auburn gymnastics,” Roberts said. “As a former standout gymnast and someone with NCAA coaching experience, she was what I was looking for in an associate head coach. She brings a relentless work ethic and a genuine ability to connect with student-athletes. More importantly, she elevates the standard in the gym every single day. This is a championship-caliber addition to this program.”

“I’m incredibly honored to join the Auburn Family and be part of such a prestigious program,” Sims-Fletcher said. “I’m excited to work alongside coach Ryan Roberts and this talented team as we strive to compete at the highest level and continue building a championship culture in the SEC. I’m passionate about developing student-athletes both on and off the floor and can’t wait to contribute to a program built on excellence, discipline and growth.”

With the Fighting Illini, Sims-Fletcher helped Chloe Cho secure back-to-back All-Big Ten First Team recognitions in 2025 and 2026 and guided Cho to a Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor in 2025.

The Orlando, Florida product has coached at various levels throughout her professional career. Prior to her time at Illinois, she was named the inaugural head coach of Talladega College’s women’s gymnastics program, which was the first HBCU team in the state of Alabama. She served in this role for the 2024 season.

She started her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Alabama for two seasons (2019 and 2020) and has spent time coaching choreography and acrobatics during her early coaching years.

Sims-Fletcher is a three-time All-American for Alabama, competing for the Crimson Tide from 2014-17. She helped the team win back-to-back Southeastern Conference titles and four-straight NCAA Super Six finishes. Academically, she was a four-time WCGA Scholastic All-American. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science in 2017 and earned a Master of Business Administration in 2021.

On top of all her success collegiately, she also had a successful JO career. A national champion in numerous events, she has a bars skill, “The Sims”, named after her.

Sims-Fletcher is married to Allen Fletcher and the couple are expecting a baby boy in May.