Leticia “Tish” Simmons was born in Paraguay and lived there until the age of seven. Then, her family moved to the United States. Since, she has lived in northern Virginia, where she grew up and continued her passion for artistic gymnastics. Tish learned everything at Capital Gymnastics National Training Centre (NTC). She now owns the gym.
Years after leaving the United States, Tish Simmons still has a connection with Paraguay. This time, as a coach. Two of her athletes represent the United States at the ASU 2025 Junior Pan American Games, which are held currently, until August 23, 2025. Charleigh Bullock, from Virginia, and Jason Hao, from Maryland. Charleigh will compete in the women’s all-around, and Jason in the men’s all-around.
“A huge honour”
“As a coach, it is a huge honour to have two athletes representing the United States at such a prestigious competition,” Tish shares with The Asunción Times. “As a Paraguayan, returning to my country with them, is something truly special. It is a beautiful way to unite both worlds that have shaped who I am – my foundation, and my growth.”
The coach describes Charleigh as an athlete who leads with a calm determination. She has discipline, elegance and an inner strength.
Jason, she says, is pure positive energy in the gym. “He is brave, focused, and trains with a serene intensity that is reflected when he competes. They are both super hardworking, humble and a pleasure to train. It was an honour to be able to prepare them together with our team of coaches.”
Tish Simmons’ story of talent, dedication, and identity
Her passion for gymnastics began in Paraguay, and helped her become the coach she is today. Now training athletes in the United States at the highest level, she helps shape young talents for international success.
Tish herself, competed nationally and had the honour of representing Paraguay at the 1996 South American Games. Competing in the Games was an experience that shaped her approach as a coach, and inspired her commitment to athlete development.
“Paraguay is still my heart home. I miss the warmth of the people, the food, and above all, my family. Returning now with two athletes who represent Team USA, is a dream come true. It feels like closing a cycle. Returning to my country as a coach, gym owner and proudly Paraguayan is something that excites me a lot.”
Connecting cultures
In the United States, gymnastics is a well-organised sport with modern facilities, early training opportunities, and structured competitive systems that start in childhood. Athletes often begin around age five or six. They are accompanied by the support of expert coaches, sports psychologists, and performance professionals.
On the other hand, Paraguay’s gymnastics system is still developing, Tish notices. Many gyms operate with basic equipment, and young athletes often lack access to consistent training or long-term programmes. While the passion for sport runs deep, scarce resources and minimal national investment continue to pose significant challenges.
This distinction is not lost on Tish Simmons, who has experienced both systems firsthand: first as a young gymnast in Paraguay, and now as a high-performance coach in the United States. Her journey gives her a unique understanding of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity.
If you want to know more about her, and her gymnastics, follow Tish Simmons on Instagram. Read also The Asunción Times interviews with ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games judoka Gabriela Marecos, and Blas Romero Flech, who respresents Paraguay in archery.
