Livvy Dunne Returns to LSU Gymnastics for Final Season

Livvy Dunne, the 22-year-old LSU gymnast and social media sensation, is gearing up for her final collegiate season after a standout performance at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad event in Oklahoma City. Dunne, who recently completed her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies, is competing as a graduate student and remains a key figure for the defending national champion LSU gymnastics team.

Dunne, known for her viral gymnastics routines and massive social media following, scored a 9.825 on the balance beam and a 9.875 on the floor exercise in her season debut. Her performances have solidified her role as a leader on the team. “I have to seize every moment because I know it could be my last,” Dunne said. “We will never get this team back, and we have a special group of girls.”

Dunne’s return to LSU for a fifth year of eligibility was not guaranteed, given her thriving career as an influencer and her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. However, she chose to return to Baton Rouge, citing her bond with her teammates as a primary reason. “I came back because of my Tiger teammates,” Dunne revealed.

Off the mat, Dunne has built a lucrative personal brand, with name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals totaling over $4 million, making her the highest-earning woman in college sports. Her partnerships include a notable collaboration with the energy drink Accelerator, where she filmed an ad alongside NFL star Travis Kelce.

Dunne’s relationship with Skenes has also become a significant part of her public persona. The couple, who began dating in 2023 while both were student-athletes at LSU, have been inseparable, with Dunne frequently traveling to support Skenes during his rise in Major League Baseball.

As LSU aims to defend its national title, Dunne’s presence will be crucial. Her combination of athletic prowess and social media influence continues to draw attention to the sport, making her one of the most recognizable figures in college gymnastics.