By SEHAR NOOR
Sophomore Aja-Monet Sims scanned the stands of the Junior Olympic National Championships and her eyes glanced across her parents, her coach and the college scouts that watched her every move. She closed her eyes and prepared herself for the routine she was about to perform.
“I felt kind of anxious because I really wanted to do well and it was the last event of the season. My [prospective] college coaches were watching and I wanted to make them happy,” Sims said.
On May 11, 2012, Sims participated in the Junior Olympic National Championships, competing in level 10, the highest level. Sims won second on floor and first in bars, beam and all-around, placing first in her age group and second 
overall out of 454 competitors.
“I was really excited because I felt that I did the best I could do and I was happy that my best was doing well overall. I was glad I made my team, coach and parents proud,” Sims said.
Sims recently verbally committed to the University of Alabama’s gymnastics team, and plans to compete with the school’s Division 1 team.
“I feel like [gymnastics] is the only thing my body knows: being so dedicated to this sport. I started when I was so young in mommy and me classes when I was two and I’ve been doing it ever since. It has taught me so much and I love it,” Sims said.