Gymnastics Lands at its Second HBCU: Talladega College
Via Imago
Talladega College has partnered with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG) and the HBCU Gymnastics Alliance to create the college's first gymnastics team and the second team at an HBCU, after Fisk University.
As Talladega’s Head Gymnastics Coach, Aja Sims-Fletcher is making history by leading the inaugural team.
Diamond Cook was recruited at BGDG's Camp Isla by Sims-Fletcher this past summer. Her front tuck really caught the eye of Sims-Fletcher who is excited about Cook joining the team, "She is a hard worker and is also super passionate about the sport of gymnastics. Her energy and passion is going to be a great addition to this inaugural team." Cook had goals to compete at an HBCU and is excited to make history at Talladega.
The new program is in good hands, as Sims-Fletcher’s background boasts several achievements in gymnastics. She is a three time All-American gymnast for The University of Alabama Gymnastics team and a former Southeastern Conference (SEC) Champion. She has coached collegiate, club and high school gymnastics teams, according to Talladega's Campus News.
As a team manager, Sims-Fletcher helped The University of Alabama Gymnastics Team win the SEC Championship where she also supported students holistically by advising on professional development skills.
Like BGDG, Sims-Fletcher is excited for Talladega's program to "provide more opportunities for young gymnasts who aspire to compete at the collegiate level." Sims-Fletcher is passionate about gymnastics and believes the sport teaches many life lessons and has expressed that gymnastics will help the student athletes "grow into amazing young adults, while learning more about perseverance and determination."
Sims-Fletcher and Fisk University Coach Corinne Tarver are building a supportive, collegial relationship. Sims-Fletcher seeks advice from Tarver from time to time. Tarver helps her "stay calm and focused when obstacles arise. We are so excited to compete with each other and those future competitions are going to be so special."