McKenna Kelley, a retired American artistic gymnast, is best known for her stellar career with the LSU Tigers and as the daughter of Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton. Born on April 15, 1997, she is currently 28 years old in 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $5.8 million, driven by her gymnastics career, coaching, and entrepreneurial ventures. McKenna is married to Braden Doughty as of September 2024, and her height is approximately 5 feet 6 inches, with her weight suited for her athletic build. This article dives into her career, salary, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her inspiring journey.
Early Life and Background: McKenna Kelley’s Age and Family
Born in Houston, Texas, McKenna Lane Kelley grew up in a family steeped in athletic excellence. Her mother, Mary Lou Retton, is an Olympic legend, and her father, Shannon Kelley, was a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. At 28 years old in 2025, McKenna is the second of four daughters—Shayla, Skyla, and Emma—all of whom have ties to gymnastics or related sports. Her upbringing in Cedar Park, Texas, fostered a disciplined yet supportive environment, with McKenna homeschooled during her senior year to focus on gymnastics. This unique perspective allowed her to balance academics and athletics, shaping her resilience.
“Growing up with a mom like Mary Lou Retton didn’t mean pressure to perform—it meant learning to chase my own dreams with grit,” McKenna shared in a 2019 Today interview (Today Show).
Gymnastics Career: Achievements and Milestones
McKenna Kelley’s gymnastics career is marked by significant achievements. As a Level 10 gymnast, she co-won the 2014 Nastia Liukin Cup, a prestigious junior competition. She joined the LSU Tigers gymnastics team in 2015, contributing to their success. In 2017, she earned a career-high 9.975 on floor exercise and secured first-team All-America honors. Despite an Achilles tendon injury sidelining her in 2018, she returned in 2019, competing on vault and balance beam, earning second-team All-America honors. McKenna retired after her senior season, choosing to pursue new ventures over a redshirt year (Wikipedia).
Her salary during her collegiate career was non-existent, as NCAA athletes were not paid, but her visibility led to sponsorships and later income streams. McKenna’s dedication inspired many, as seen in her work ethic, which she described as “a love for the grind, not just the glory.”
Post-Gymnastics Career: Salary, Ventures, and Net Worth
After retiring in 2019, McKenna transitioned into diverse roles, boosting her net worth to an estimated $5.8 million by 2025. Her income sources include:
- Preschool Teaching: McKenna worked as a preschool teacher, earning approximately $40,000–$50,000 annually, based on average U.S. teacher salaries.
- Gymnastics Coaching: As a part-time coach at Olympia Gymnastics, she earns an estimated $20,000–$30,000 yearly.
- McKenna Kelley LLC: Launched in 2022, this company focuses on mental toughness training for gymnasts, contributing significantly to her salary (LinkedIn).
- The McKenna Kelley Foundation: As president, she supports mental health initiatives, blending philanthropy with income.
Her net worth also benefits from ancestral wealth and strategic investments. Unlike many retired athletes, McKenna’s entrepreneurial spirit sets her apart, with her LLC addressing a niche in gymnast mental health—a topic gaining traction in 2025 amid growing awareness (Mental Health in Sports).
Personal Life: Dating, Married, and Relationships
McKenna Kelley’s personal life has garnered attention, especially her married status. She tied the knot with Braden Doughty on September 28, 2024, in a heartfelt ceremony. The couple’s relationship, kept relatively private, reflects McKenna’s preference for discretion, a trait noted in her sparse social media updates on romance (People). Before her marriage, McKenna was single, with no publicly confirmed dating history, focusing instead on her career and personal growth.
“Love found me when I wasn’t looking, and that’s the best kind,” McKenna hinted in a 2024 Instagram post (@mckennakelley).
Her height of 5 feet 6 inches and weight, estimated at around 125–135 pounds, align with her athletic physique, maintained through coaching and an active lifestyle. These details, while often searched, are less central to her story than her impact.
Recent Updates in 2025: What’s New for McKenna Kelley
In 2025, McKenna continues to thrive as a realtor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a career shift leveraging her psychology degree to connect with clients (People). Her McKenna Kelley Foundation has expanded, hosting workshops for young athletes, emphasizing mental resilience—a response to the mental health challenges faced by gymnasts like Simone Biles. Her salary from real estate is estimated at $60,000–$100,000 annually, based on Louisiana realtor averages, further boosting her net worth.
McKenna’s social media presence (@mckennakelley) highlights her advocacy, with posts about mental health awareness and her new life as a married woman. Her unique angle—blending gymnastics legacy with mental health advocacy—sets her apart from peers, offering a fresh narrative in 2025’s wellness-focused culture.
Biography Table: McKenna Kelley’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | McKenna Lane Kelley |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Parents | Mary Lou Retton, Shannon Kelley |
| Siblings | Shayla, Skyla, Emma |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 125–135 pounds (approx.) |
| Education | Psychology degree, LSU (2019) |
| Career | Retired gymnast, preschool teacher, gymnastics coach, realtor |
| Net Worth | $5.8 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $90,000–$135,000 annually (combined from coaching, teaching, real estate) |
| Marital Status | Married to Braden Doughty (September 28, 2024) |
| Notable Achievements | 2014 Nastia Liukin Cup co-champion, 4-time All-American (LSU Tigers) |
| Current Ventures | McKenna Kelley LLC, The McKenna Kelley Foundation |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mckennakelley, LinkedIn: McKenna Kelley |
| Residence | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
Why McKenna Kelley Stands Out in 2025
McKenna’s journey reflects a blend of athletic prowess and purposeful reinvention. Unlike many athletes who struggle post-retirement, she’s carved a multifaceted career, from coaching to philanthropy. Her McKenna Kelley LLC addresses a critical gap in sports—mental toughness—making her a pioneer in a field where 68% of athletes report mental health challenges, per a 2023 study (Sports Psychology Journal). Her married life and real estate career add relatability, showing she’s more than her mother’s legacy.
“I’ve learned that success isn’t just medals—it’s impacting lives,” McKenna said in a 2025 podcast (The Megyn Kelly Show).
Her story resonates with Gen Z and millennials searching for purpose beyond traditional paths, making her a role model in 2025’s evolving landscape.
Conclusion: McKenna Kelley’s Inspiring Legacy
McKenna Kelley, at 28 years old, has transformed her gymnastics legacy into a platform for impact. With a net worth of $5.8 million, a salary bolstered by diverse ventures, and a married life with Braden Doughty, she balances personal and professional growth. Her height, weight, and athletic background complement her dynamic career as a realtor, coach, and philanthropist. Follow McKenna’s journey on Instagram (@mckennakelley) for updates on her inspiring work in mental health and real estate.
