From The Gymnastics Mat to the Classroom

For the students at Great Hearts Harveston in Baton Rouge, McKenna Kelley Doughty is known as a dedicated apprentice teacher. But her background is rooted in elite athletics and a family legacy that includes one of the most celebrated gymnasts in history. Her mother, Mary Lou Retton, was a gold medal gymnast in the 1984 Summer Olympics and one of the most popular athletes in the United States. While Doughty began a career following in her mother’s footsteps, she soon discovered her passion for education.

Born in Houston but calling Baton Rouge home, Doughty was introduced to gymnastics at just two years old. With a mother who had set the standard for American gymnastics, the sport was a natural part of her upbringing. However, despite her mother’s fame, Doughty’s childhood was refreshingly normal. “A lot of people ask me about growing up with a famous mom, and I think they are shocked to learn that my upbringing was very normal. I still had to ask for permission for a playdate, she made me clean my room, do the dishes, etc. She just happened to also have been the first American woman to win the all-around title in gymnastics!”

Doughty’s own gymnastics career took off in high school when she committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) on a full athletic scholarship. As a four-time All-American, she made history with the LSU Tigers, winning SEC Championship team titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Individually, she claimed the SEC floor exercise title and was named All-SEC. One of her most defining moments came in her senior year when, after recovering from an achilles tear, she scored a perfect 10.0 on floor exercise, cementing her place in LSU gymnastics history.

But it was that very injury that ultimately led Doughty to discover a deeper purpose. “Funny enough, though I know the sport of gymnastics helped shape me into who I am today, my injury was the best thing to ever happen to me! Without having my identity in my sport to lean on, I had to self-reflect on my heart. What else makes me, me? Besides gymnastics, what fills and fuels my heart? That’s when I discovered my love for people and pouring into them, which ultimately led me into education!”

After graduating with a degree in Psychology from LSU, Doughty initially stayed close to the sport by coaching gymnastics. However, her passion for mentorship and personal growth led her into the classroom. She began working in Special Education (ESS) at Great Hearts Forest Heights in San Antonio, Texas, before moving back to Baton Rouge with her husband, an LSU baseball alumni, and joining Great Hearts Harveston.

Doughty was drawn to Great Hearts’ mission of cultivating both the minds and hearts of its students. “I really love the uniformity across all campuses nationwide, and I love the rigor of the curriculum that is coupled with the mission of developing not only the children’s minds, but their hearts.”

Starting in ESS for the upper school, she transitioned into the role of an apprentice teacher in the fifth-grade classroom this spring. Though she never originally planned on becoming a teacher, she now sees it as the perfect alignment of her heart’s passion. “Everyone needs to feel loved, seen, and heard, and it is a joy and honor to be able to serve the students here.”

Beyond the classroom, she enjoys the Baton Rouge’s vibrant culture. “The food and culture here is incredible. I also love the passion for LSU state-wide. Everyone is a Tiger fan here. Seeing that I lived here during my time at university, it’s been fun to explore the city in a different season of life.”

She and her husband, newly married in September 2024, are settling into this next chapter of their lives, with Doughty dreaming of one day becoming a mother. In the meantime, she embraces her role as a proud dog mom to Biggie, her three-year-old French Bulldog, and a proud aunt to her two nieces and nephews.

Her experience at Great Hearts has reinforced her belief that education is about more than academics, but also about character. “What I love about teaching at Great Hearts is the true care the staff has for the students. We are absolutely here to tend to the academic needs of the scholars, but the cultivation of the heart and soul is something we see as equally important.”

Whether it’s on the competition floor or in a classroom at Great Hearts Harveston, she continues to inspire those around her with the same passion and dedication that once made her an LSU gymnastics star.

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