Aja was born in Seattle, Washington. Her athletic ability was evident from a young age. By elementary school she was racing and beating all the boys on the playground. Born to Soun Frary, a ballerina dancer and her father, Lee Leavy, California State High School Wrestling Champion; Aja's athletic genes set the stage for her future. Aja excelled as a 3 sport high school athlete and by college earned a full scholarship as a Track and Field Heptathlete at San Diego State University.