Get To ‘Kneaux’: McKenna Kelley

BATON ROUGE – LSU gymnastics true freshman McKenna Kelley is eager to open her collegiate career in the 2016 season after a highly-successful club career.

Kelley excelled as a level 10 gymnast in 2014 when she captured the all-around title at the prestigious Nastia Liukin Cup.

She also took home the national floor title at the 2014 Level 10 J.O. National Championships, one year after she placed No. 5 in the all-around standings at the 2013 J.O. National Championships.

Find out a little more about the Houston, Texas native in this fun and informative Q&A.

Do not miss your chance to see Kelley and the Tigers take on some of the nation’s best teams at home in 2016.

Season tickets for the upcoming season are on sale at www.LSUtix.net at a cost of $15 for youth ages 3-12 and $25 for adults.

Great seats are still available to be reserved with season tickets.

LSU will host five home meets in the Maravich Center in 2016, starting with a bang against national power Oklahoma. The Tigers will also take on Southeastern Conference foes Kentucky, Arkansas, Auburn and Alabama.

“Get to Kneaux” McKenna Kelley a little better in this Q&A:

Why did you choose LSU?
I feel like LSU chose me! I fell in love! From the campus, to the coaching staff, everything just seemed “at home” to me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What has been your favorite moment at LSU?
So far, my favorite moment would probably have to have been our first intrasquad. I got to experience what it would somewhat feel like competing in college atmosphere and with the team! It was so empowering and motivating, and I cannot wait to start this season!

What are your goals for the 2016 season?
My goals are to help get our team to SECs and nationals and bring home those championship trophies! My personal goals include being an All-American, qualifying to event finals at Nationals and maybe getting a 10!

What have you worked on the most in the gym to prepare for 2016?
I would say my patience. The gymnastics is there! It is more of a mental game in college, and I am figuring that out. I’m not normally the most patient athlete, so patience has been a struggle for me! I have definitely been working on that.

Have you checked out the construction of the new training facility? What are your thoughts?
OMG YES! I cannot wait. Having a top-of-the-line facility as well as an unbelievable coaching staff with an incredibly talented team, there will be NO stopping us!

Ok, now to the fun questions.

What do you like most about your hometown?
I just love Houston! The shopping, the restaurants and just the city itself. 

Do you have a talent other than gymnastics? What is it?
If you need to learn “how not to budget”, then I’m your girl!!

If the team was to come to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for them? Be honest 🙂
I would probably make baked chicken with pesto and cheese and broccoli and a side salad! I actually really enjoy cooking. I just never have time! #collegelife

What is your go-to Pandora station?
Caked up!

What song describes your work ethic when it comes to gymnastics?
Myia Hambrick said anything “heavy metal”….thanks Myia.

How many quarters would you need to stack in order to reach the top of the Maravich Center?
A lot!!!!! 

Without looking it up, can you tell us how many years Bob Moore has coached at LSU?
34?

If someone asked you why they should get LSU gymnastics season tickets, what would you tell them?
Why would you not!? Who doesn’t think flips are cool?!

Do you want to build a snowman?
“Come on, let’s go and play!”