Celebrity

LSU alum McKenna Lane Kelley: retired American gymnast

Former American artistic gymnast McKenna Lane Kelley, born April 15, 1997, in Houston, Texas, is a proud LSU alumnus. McKenna inherited athletic success from her parents, Olympic gold winner Mary Lou Retton and retired quarterback Shannon Kelley. Her legacy in gymnastics and beyond has shaped the sport and her community.

Early Life and Family

High-achieving parents raised McKenna Lane Kelley. Mary Lou Retton, her mother, became the first American woman to win an all-around gymnastics gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning America’s heart. Former football quarterback and coach Shannon Kelley is her father.

McKenna has three sisters: Skyla Brae, Shayla Rae, and Emma Jean. McKenna’s gymnastics career has helped her stand out, but all siblings share the family’s values and commitment.

Shannon Kelley, McKenna Lane’s father

Former NFL quarterback, coach, and businessman Shannon Kelley is McKenna Lane Kelley’s father. Houston-born, he played collegiate football for the University of Texas at Austin from 1984 to 1988, becoming the starting quarterback in his senior year. After graduation, Shannon worked in business before coaching. He coaches running backs for Houston Christian University Huskies as an assistant head coach. His passion to athletics and leadership has earned him recognition on and off the field.

Shannon Kelley married Olympic gold winner Mary Lou Retton from 1990 until 2018. They have four daughters: Shayla Rae, McKenna Lane, Skyla Brae, and Emma Jean Kelley. McKenna, like her father, loved athletics and became an LSU All-American gymnast. Despite their divorce, Shannon and Mary Lou stressed family and co-parenting. Shannon’s adaptability and success as an athlete, businessman, and coach have shaped McKenna Lane Kelley’s career as a gymnast and role model.

Gymnastics Career

McKenna Kelley started gymnastics early, motivated by her mother’s success. Head coaches Dan and Ashly Baker helped her improve. She has great career success:

In 2014, McKenna won the national floor championship at the Junior Olympic National Championships and ranked sixth in the all-around at the 2013 edition.

In 2019, she was named Second Team All-American in gymnastics for the LSU Tigers.

## Overcoming Adversity: In 2018, McKenna missed the season due to an Achilles injury. Her resilience meant she returned to compete with vigor.

The dedicated and persistent McKenna resigned from competitive gymnastics on April 25, 2019.

Life Post-Gymnastics

McKenna Lane Kelley has advanced in several disciplines after retirement. She now teaches special education in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, showing her dedication to helping others. Her social media messages on Christian ideals show how important her faith is.

Personal Life

McKenna Lane Kelley started a new chapter personally. She married Braden Doughty in a touching wedding on September 28, 2024, with 150 guests. McKenna typically posts photos of their lives on Instagram after their happy wedding.

Her marriage began a love and relationship adventure. After her first month of marriage, McKenna was excited to start a life with Braden, whom she nicknames “Mr. Doughty.”

Inspiration and Legacy

McKenna Lane Kelley’s perseverance and success have inspired many gymnasts. Her narrative is one of perseverance, reconciling her father’s Olympian heritage with her own destiny. She is a role model for life after athletics being rewarding and effective.

Social media presence

Over 56,000 Instagram followers follow McKenna, who posts updates and inspiring stuff. Her postings generally express her love of education, faith, and family and spouse.

Supporting Mom

McKenna received notice in October 2023 for updating her mother, Mary Lou Retton, who had a rare pneumonia. McKenna’s calmness and courage at this difficult moment won over fans and gymnasts.

One last thought

McKenna Lane Kelley is strong, graceful, and determined. Her life as an LSU All-American gymnast, teacher, and bride inspires others. Her story shows that hard effort and faith can lead to meaning inside and outside the gym.

McKenna Lane Kelley’s legacy as a gymnast, teacher, and advocate will go on, showing that champions have a spirit beyond the gym.

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