Introduction
Shayla Rae Kelley, the talented daughter of renowned American retired gymnast Mary Lou Retton, has made her own mark in the world of acrobatics and tumbling. Born on April 12, 1995, in Houston, Texas, United States, Shayla has carved a path of success and achievements in her athletic career. In this article, we will explore Shayla’s journey, her notable accomplishments, and the supportive family that has been by her side every step of the way.
Shayla’s Mother: Mary Lou Retton
To truly appreciate Shayla’s accomplishments, it is important to acknowledge her mother’s outstanding achievements as a young gymnast. Mary Lou Retton gained international recognition when she clinched the gold medal in the all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her remarkable performance, which included two silver medals and two bronze medals, solidified her status as one of the most beloved athletes in the United States.
Shayla’s Early Years and Gymnastics Training
Growing up in Houston, Shayla attended Second Baptist School before embarking on her gymnastics journey. She trained at Aerial Port Gymnastics from 2009 to 2012 and later joined Stars Houston from 2012 to 2013. During this time, Shayla displayed her skills and dedication, becoming the level nine regional vault champion and the level nine state all-around champion. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she also actively participated in various clubs and organizations such as Student Council, Bible Club, Key Club, and Internet Club.
Overcoming Adversity and College Career
In 2014, Shayla faced a setback when she sustained a knee injury that prevented her from participating in gymnastics. However, this obstacle led her to an unexpected opportunity. While recovering from her ACL tear, Shayla joined an undefeated Baylor team, opening a new chapter in her athletic journey. As a sophomore in 2015, she showcased her talent by participating in all seven meets and qualifying for two events at the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) Individual Championships. Her relentless hard work paid off, and she was honored by being named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the spring semester.
Continued Success and Achievements
Shayla’s success continued in 2016 as she participated in all ten meets and qualified for three events at the NCATA Individual Championships. She even secured a victory in the Pyramid Flip Heat event. Throughout the season, she consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills, earning impressive scores such as a 9.9 with her team in the toss event against Quinnipiac and a 9.85 in the toss event against Oregon. Shayla’s contributions were instrumental in her team’s accomplishments, including a perfect 10 in the pyramid event against Alderson Broaddus. Her dedication and talent have made her a valuable asset to the Baylor team.
A Supportive Family
Shayla’s journey in acrobatics and tumbling has been nurtured by her loving family. She has three sisters: McKenna Lane Kelley, Skyla Rae Kelley, and Emma Jean Kelley. McKenna, a retired artistic gymnast, shares Shayla’s passion for the sport. Skyla’s pursuits are lesser known, but the youngest sister, Emma, has also excelled as a level 10 gymnast at Fun & Fitness Gymnastics in Richmond, Texas, since 2016.
Shayla’s father, Shannon Kelley, was a former American football quarterback who played for the Texas Longhorns. After his football career, he pursued a business career and later transitioned into college coaching. Presently, Shannon serves as the assistant head football coach at Houston Baptist University. With a family deeply rooted in sports, Shayla has always had the encouragement and support she needed to pursue her athletic dreams.
Conclusion
Shayla Rae Kelley, with her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication, has established herself as a remarkable athlete in the realm of acrobatics and tumbling. From her early training to her college career, Shayla’s journey has been filled with accomplishments and milestones. With the support of her family, she continues to shine in her chosen sport. As Shayla Rae Kelley continues to make her mark in the world of acrobatics and tumbling, we eagerly anticipate witnessing her future successes and the legacy she will leave behind.
Comments