Skyla Brae Kelley occupies a unique space in the world of American sports royalty. Born into a dynasty defined by Olympic gold, she has managed to carve out a distinct identity.
While her last name connects her to gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, Skyla has chosen a path less focused on the balance beam and more on communication, cheerleading, and family life.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Skyla Brae Kelley |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 2000 (Reported) |
| Age | 24 (as of late 2024) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Cheerleading Coach, Media/Communications |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million (Varies by source) |
| Marital Status | In a Relationship |
| Partner | Thomas Pourr (Reported) |
| Children | One daughter (Born July 2024) |
| Education | Texas Tech University (B.A. Communication Studies, 2023) |
| Family Background | Daughter of Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley |
| Height | Approx. 5’0” – 5’2” (Estimated based on family) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Hometown | Houston, Texas |
Early Life and the Retton-Kelley Dynasty
Skyla was born in August 2000 in Houston, Texas. She is the third of four daughters born to Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley.
Her arrival was covered by major news outlets, given her mother’s status as an American icon. Mary Lou Retton made history in 1984 as the first American woman to win the all-around Olympic gold in gymnastics.
Her father, Shannon Kelley, was a former quarterback for the University of Texas. This athletic pedigree meant sports were an inevitable part of Skyla’s upbringing.
However, unlike the typical narrative of pressure-filled sports families, Skyla’s childhood was marked by support rather than expectation. Mary Lou Retton famously stated she never forced her children into her sport.
Education and The Pivot to Cheerleading
While her sisters, particularly McKenna and Emma, pursued high-level NCAA gymnastics, Skyla found her passion elsewhere.
She attended the Second Baptist School in Houston for her primary and secondary education. It was here that she began to diverge from the “gymnast” label attached to her family name.
Skyla excelled in competitive cheerleading. This sport required similar discipline and athleticism to gymnastics but allowed her to compete within a team dynamic.
Following high school, she enrolled at Texas Tech University.
In May 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. This academic achievement marked her formal entry into the professional world, equipping her with skills for a career in media and coaching.
Career and Professional Interests
Skyla has maintained a lower public profile than her siblings, leading to curiosity about her professional endeavors.
Leveraging her background, reports indicate she has worked as a cheerleading coach. This role allows her to mentor young athletes, applying the discipline she learned growing up in a high-performance household.
While she keeps her personal Instagram private (@skyla_kelley), she is recognized as a micro-influencer. Her content, when visible, often focuses on fitness, lifestyle, and faith.
Personal Life: A New Chapter of Motherhood
In 2024, Skyla Brae Kelley made headlines for a personal milestone that delighted fans of the Retton family.
In May 2024, Skyla’s sister Shayla shared photos from Emma Kelley’s graduation. The images revealed Skyla was expecting her first child.
In July 2024, Skyla gave birth to a baby daughter. This birth marked a significant moment for Mary Lou Retton, making the Olympic champion a grandmother for the first time.
Retton joyfully told People magazine that she plans to go by the name “LouLou” rather than “Grandma” or “Nana.”
Skyla has been linked to Thomas Pourr since approximately April 2023. While Skyla prefers privacy, her father Shannon Kelley has publicly interacted with the couple on social media, suggesting a close family bond.
Privacy in a Digital Age
One of the most defining characteristics of Skyla’s public persona is her commitment to privacy.
Unlike many children of celebrities who seek the limelight, Skyla maintains a private Instagram account. She selectively allows glimpses into her life through her sisters’ public profiles.
This discretion has helped her maintain a sense of normalcy. It shields her daughter and her relationship from the intense scrutiny often directed at celebrity families.
Family Dynamics and Support
The Kelley sisters, Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma are known for their tight-knit bond.
They rallied publicly around their mother in late 2023 when Mary Lou Retton was hospitalized in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia.
Skyla played a vital role in the family support system during that health scare. The family’s ability to overcome that crisis has only strengthened their public image as a united front.
Final Thought
From choosing cheerleading over elite gymnastics to prioritizing privacy over fame, she has defined success on her own terms.
Now, as a Texas Tech graduate and a new mother, she steps into a new era. She carries the Retton-Kelley legacy forward, not by repeating history, but by writing her own story.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
