Before she was the "Princess of Philadelphia" or the woman keeping Jason Kelce in check, she was just Kylie McDevitt from Narberth. Most people only know her from the Kelce documentary or the viral clips of her refusing to wear any gear that isn't Eagles green. But the story of Kylie Kelce young is actually a lot more interesting than just being a "WAG" who happened to swipe right on a future Hall of Famer.
She grew up in the suburbs of Philly, specifically in the Main Line area, which basically means she was born into the Eagles fandom. It wasn't a choice; it was an environment. Long before the Super Bowl appearances and the podcast fame, Kylie was a high-energy kid who was honestly a bit of a standout in her community—mostly because she was taller than everyone else.
The Girl From Narberth: Growing Up Tall and Insecure
Kylie was born on March 23, 1992. Growing up in Narberth, Pennsylvania, she wasn't exactly a wallflower, but she’s been super open about how her height made her feel like a bit of an outsider. By the time she was a teenager, she was already pushing 5'11".
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Imagine being a middle school girl and towering over all the boys. It’s tough. She’s mentioned in recent interviews, specifically on her Not Gonna Lie podcast, that she really struggled with self-confidence because she just didn't "fit" the typical mold.
Her dad actually tried to push her toward basketball. It makes sense, right? If you're tall in Philly, people expect you to be the next big thing at the Palestra. But Kylie, being Kylie, went the complete opposite direction. She chose field hockey, a sport where you spend half your time hunched over a stick close to the ground.
- Birthplace: Narberth, PA
- High School: Lower Merion (The same school as Kobe Bryant, by the way)
- Childhood Ambition: She actually wanted to be a veterinarian. She’s a huge animal lover and recently told Bindi Irwin that if she weren't doing what she's doing now, she'd still be trying to work with animals.
Lower Merion and the Field Hockey Pivot
At Lower Merion High School, Kylie started to find her stride, but it wasn't without some physical setbacks. She actually had significant hip issues as a teen. We're talking "needed surgery just to keep playing" kind of issues. She had the procedure done during high school, and honestly, that’s probably where her grit comes from.
She wasn't just playing for fun; she was a defensive powerhouse. Her height, which she used to hate, became her biggest weapon on the field. Her reach was insane. She could shut down passing lanes that other girls couldn't even touch.
After high school, she did a stint at Montgomery County Community College before transferring to Cabrini University in Wayne, PA. This is where the Kylie Kelce young era really peaks in terms of her own athletic legacy.
Cabrini University Stats and Accolades
Kylie didn't just play at Cabrini; she dominated. She was a four-year starter on defense. If you look back at the box scores from 2014 or 2015, you'll see her name constantly. She was the CSAC (Colonial States Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Year. She wasn't just a participant; she was a First-Team All-CSAC selection three times.
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She graduated in 2017 with a degree in communications. She actually wanted to be in sports broadcasting. It’s kind of funny how life works out—she’s now the host of a massive podcast, just not exactly in the way she probably envisioned back in her dorm room.
The Tinder Date That Almost Wasn't
We have to talk about the meeting because it’s part of the "young Kylie" lore. It’s 2014. Kylie is in college. She’s on Tinder, probably just bored or looking for a distraction from field hockey practice. She matches with a guy named Jason.
His profile was weirdly intense. He had things in there about wanting to have "deep meaningful conversations" and getting married. Kylie and her friends actually thought he was a catfish. Why would a professional athlete be on Tinder with no photos of him playing football?
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They did a reverse image search. They realized, "Oh, wait, this is actually the center for the Eagles."
They met at a bar. Jason showed up... and he was hammered. Like, "fell asleep at the table after 45 minutes" hammered. Most girls would have walked out and blocked his number. But Kylie saw something in him. Or maybe she just felt bad for the guy who had to be carried home by his teammate. Either way, she gave him a second chance, and that’s basically when her life shifted from "Kylie McDevitt, athlete" to "Kylie Kelce, Philly icon."
Why the "Young" Version of Kylie Matters Today
Understanding who Kylie was before the cameras started following her explains why she is so grounded now. She didn't marry into the Kelce family for the fame—Jason wasn't even the "superstar" he is now when they met. He was just a guy who fell asleep on their first date.
She spent her youth volunteering for the Special Olympics and packing boxes for troops. She was a head coach at her old high school, Lower Merion, long after she could have just sat back and been a "stay-at-home NFL wife."
She’s a girl from the Philadelphia suburbs who stayed true to those roots. When she says she won't wear a Chiefs jersey, even for her brother-in-law Travis, it’s not a bit for the cameras. It’s because the girl who played field hockey in Narberth is still the woman she is today.
Actionable Takeaways from Kylie’s Path
- Embrace the "Flaw": Kylie hated being tall, but it became the reason she succeeded in field hockey and eventually found her confidence. Whatever you're insecure about might be your biggest asset.
- Second Chances (Sometimes): If she hadn't given Jason a second date after the disastrous first one, the Kelce family we know today wouldn't exist. Sometimes people just have a really bad night.
- Stay Local: There’s a lot of power in staying connected to where you came from. Kylie’s deep ties to Philly are why the fans there treat her like royalty—she’s one of them.
If you're looking to follow more of her journey, her podcast Not Gonna Lie is probably the best place to hear her talk about her childhood in her own words. It’s refreshing to see someone who hasn't let the "New Heights" of fame change the "young" version of themselves.