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Is Kayla DiCello back? In December of last year, she informed fans that she had undergone surgery on her left foot. Before that, she’d already had surgery on her right foot due to an ACL injury, but she was bouncing back quickly. In fact, by November, she was already back in the gym, showing off parts of her gymnastics routine. But then December hit pause on everything. 

Fast forward to March — Kayla popped up again. But this time, not in the gym. Instead, she shared a photo of herself spending time with kids in Gainesville, taking part in afterschool activities. So, is she healing quickly? Possibly. But she hasn’t made any official statements yet about when she’ll return to competition. Now, while we wait, it’s a great time to look deeper into who she is beyond gymnastics — and especially the family that laid the foundation for her to chase this dream in the first place.

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Who is Kayla DiCello’s father?

Long before the medals and floor routines, before the University of Florida crowds chanted her name, Kayla DiCello was just a little girl tumbling around the house in Boyds, Maryland. The DiCello household was full — full of laughter, energy, and kids chasing dreams on their own terms.

Kayla is one of four siblings, and though the world would come to know her name, the DiCellos were never just a one-star show. Her parents, Matt and Kecia, were the heartbeat of the operation. They weren’t gymnasts. They weren’t trying to raise an Olympian. How?

When Matt and Kecia DiCello signed up their oldest daughter for a parent-tot gymnastics class at just 2 years old, they had no idea they were walking into a legendary training ground. Hill’s Gymnastics was no ordinary gym — it had produced Olympic champions. But to the DiCellos, that wasn’t the draw. They weren’t seasoned gymnastics parents. They didn’t come in chasing gold medals or international fame. For them, it was simple: they just wanted little Kayla to have fun.

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Matt, the ever-supportive dad, was all in on whatever made his daughter smile. And gymnastics? It lit her up. What started as a playful tumble here and a cartwheel there quickly became something more. Even then, it wasn’t about pressure or podiums. It was about watching Kayla explore, grow, and fall in love with the sport — all on her own terms.

What started as a playful hobby quickly turned into something more. Kayla wasn’t just flipping for fun — she had natural talent, focus, and that unmistakable spark. As she moved through the levels, her coaches noticed too. Eventually, they sat down with her parents to talk about a serious step: going elite. But legendary coach Kelli Hill made one thing crystal clear — this had to be Kayla’s choice. And it was. Without hesitation. “I always wanted to go to the Olympics,” Kayla said. So, as we can see, Kayla’s parents remained rock-solid behind her, fulfilling her wish. Now, let’s talk about her mother. 

Who is Kayla DiCello’s mother?

Behind every great athlete is someone who keeps the world turning — for Kayla DiCello, that someone is her mom, Kecia DiCello. She isn’t just Kayla’s biggest cheerleader; she’s been the steady force behind all four of her children — Kayla, her brother Hunter, and sisters Kyra and Karleigh. Whether it was early morning practices, school runs, or simply being there with quiet encouragement, Kecia has been the glue holding it all together.

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Furthermore, the loving mother didn’t just raise athletes — she raised dreamers, doers, and deeply grounded individuals. While the spotlight often shines on Kayla, Kecia’s influence runs through every step of her children’s journeys, shaping them with love, resilience, and the kind of support that doesn’t make headlines — but makes all the difference.

Who are Kayla DiCello’s gymnast sisters?

Kayla has two sisters, Kyra and Karleigh, and a brother, Hunter. The Pan Am champion’s parents enrolled all three of the sisters at Hill’s Gymnastics at a young age. Following up on the interest, while Kayla secured a scholarship to Florida, Karleigh went to West Virginia, where she was in the class of 2024. “Proud sister,” Kayla DiCello wrote when Karleigh signed up with the West Virginia gymnastics program. Further along, Karleigh is also reported to have competed in the Laurie Hernandez Champions Challenge.

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As for the youngest, Kyra, she is a level 10 gymnast and a Nastia Liukin Cup participant. Kyra will be graduating high school in 2027. The brother, Hunter, is said to be a basketball player attending the University of Alabama. Hunter is also pursuing a degree in finance and is known to be involved in charity events. The siblings can often be seen cheering each other on, presenting the many situations that place them on a shared path of mutual success.

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What is Kayla DiCello’s parents’ nationality?

Kayla DiCello may be known around the world for her incredible talent, but her roots are proudly American — with a rich blend of heritage that shaped the person she is today.

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Born and raised in Maryland, Kayla grew up in a household filled with love, discipline, and culture. Her father, Matt DiCello, carries Italian heritage, while her mother, Kecia, brings in strong German roots. Together, they built a home grounded in hard work, family values, and unwavering support. Though her background is a beautiful mix of cultures, Kayla represents the red, white, and blue on the global stage — a true American gymnast with a world-class spirit.

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