Inside the Life of Gen Z’s Power Couple: Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes

BATON ROUGE, La. — Olivia Dunne, the prominent gymnast and social media influencer, and Paul Skenes, the ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, have emerged as one of the defining power couples of their generation. Their relationship, which began on LSU‘s campus, has captured the attention of fans and followers worldwide.

As they meet for dinner on a breezy winter night in Baton Rouge, the couple reflects on how their lives have transformed over the past two years. Dunne, who boasts over 5 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok, is concluding her final gymnastics season while Skenes is preparing for his highly anticipated sophomore year with the Pirates.

“He wouldn’t follow me back on Instagram,” Livvy recalls with a laugh, describing the early stages of their budding relationship. Initially perplexed by Skenes’ apparent disinterest, she would soon learn that his focus was on his athletics. “I was like, Who is this kid and why won’t he follow me back?”

Dunne and Skenes first crossed paths during their junior year at LSU. Despite their brief meetings at social events, including a college concert, their hectic athletic schedules made getting to know one another difficult. Skenes, a recent transfer from the Air Force Academy, focused on baseball, leading Dunne to make the first move. “I had ambition to get to know him,” she said.

Ultimately, Skenes asked Dunne out for ice cream, which allowed them to connect amid their busy lives. “I really liked him from our first dates,” Dunne shared, adding that she would go out of her way to schedule hair appointments to see him more often.

Fast forward to today, and both athletes have achieved significant milestones. Skenes, having dominated last season with the Pirates, garnered the National League Rookie of the Year award, while Dunne became the most followed college athlete following new NIL regulations allowing athletes to profit from their names and likenesses. “Everybody knew who she was,” Skenes admitted. “But she didn’t know who I was.”

Their relationship has balanced both of their high-profile lives. With Skenes often away for games and training and Dunne traveling for gymnastics meets, they adapt their schedules to steal moments together. “Whenever we come back to Louisiana, it’s like the first time we met,” Dunne noted.

In working to manage their careers and relationship, Skenes often plays the role of supportive partner alongside his new identity as a rising star in baseball. Livvy has helped him navigate fame while he remains focused on the sport. “He doesn’t care about what anyone thinks of him,” Dunne said, emphasizing his dedication to the game over social media appearances.

The couple is frequently in the public eye, but they manage to keep their personal lives mostly private. Skenes continues to refine his skills on the mound as a participant in one of baseball’s most talked-about rookie seasons, while Dunne explores new ventures and plans for her future post-gymnastics.

“I want to help other athletes like myself get the opportunities I’ve had,” she said, referring to her efforts with the Livvy Fund, which supports female athletes at LSU.

As they share aspirations for the future, Livvy and Paul represent a new generation of athletes challenging traditional norms, harnessing their influence to create meaning both on and off the field. “It’s crazy that I’m still a student,” Livvy admitted, expressing gratitude for the balance they strike despite the pressures of their careers. “But it’s worth every moment.”

The couple’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike, as Livvy and Paul continue to rise to new heights, proving that determination and support can lead to success both individually and together.