LSU Gymnastics senior Olivia Dunne confirmed on social media that she will return for her fifth and final season with the Tigers in 2025.
Dunne joins teammates Haleigh Bryant, Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, and Alyona Shchennikova, who will all return for their last season next year.
The All-American from Hillsdale, New Jersey, got her stride in 2024 and is far from finished. This year, she competed for the Tigers on the bars and floor, appearing in nine matches and scoring season highs of 9.875 and 9.900, respectively.
Dunne’s decision was ultimately based on her belief that she had more to offer the sport, both on and off the competition floor.
“This past year, I discovered a newfound enthusiasm for the sport. I had worked out a lot during the offseason, so I felt strong and healthy from the start, ready to contribute,” Dunne remarked. “I really enjoyed the team dynamic this year, and everything came together nicely. Winning the national championships was an incredible team success, but I believe I have more to offer as an individual athlete.”
She's Not Dunne Yet#GeauxTigers | @livvydunne pic.twitter.com/gGSeHHnN1s
— LSU Gymnastics (@LSUgym) July 8, 2024
With a newfound enthusiasm for the sport, she accepted her role this year and contributed wherever her team needed her. This mindset helped her and the Tigers win the program’s first national championship.
That same approach earned her the program’s inaugural “Coaches Award,” which acknowledged her as the perfect team player and gymnast who was ready to compete at any time.
She goes into her final season yearning for more. Dunne says one of her goals for next year is to demonstrate Tiger Nation that she can shine on many events by bringing back seasoned routines and depth to the bars, beam, and floor lineups.
Not only does she participate at the top level in collegiate sports, but she is also a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll Member, an Academic All-American, and was recently named to the President’s List for 2024.
The rising fifth-year has aspirations for her last year outside of competition, including continuing to use her platform to promote the sport in any way she can.
“I am a completely different person than I was four years ago.” “I’ve learned how to balance so many responsibilities, how to pursue big dreams, and how to remain calm in the face of difficult challenges,” Dunne added.
Dunne, one of the highest-paid female collegiate athletes in the country, takes pride in being a role model for the next generation of women in athletics. During her four years at LSU, she learned how to manage NIL and school with the obligations of being a student-athlete. Now she can help people who are following in her footsteps.
“I’ve seen how important women’s sports are to the younger generation, and I want to be part of always advocating for those opportunities.”
One way she is leveraging her position to increase chances for women in athletics is through the Livvy Fund, which she established last year to assist bring NIL deals to female LSU athletes. Dunne hopes to help female athletes create their NIL businesses by providing knowledge on personal branding.
But none of this would be possible without the daily support she receives.
“I couldn’t go another year, much alone another day, without the support of my fans, family, friends, coaches, and so many others! Those folks cheering me on every day are what get me through the tough times and keep me motivated to achieve more.”
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