Olivia Dunne, the LSU Tigers gymnastics sensation, had lofty aspirations as she approached the 2024 NCAA finals, yearning to carve her name in history as a pivotal part of the team’s success. In an exhilarating moment, Dunne’s dreams became a reality when she was officially integrated into the Tigers’ roster, ultimately contributing to their NCAA championship victory in Fort Worth last April. Despite this monumental achievement, Dunne found herself in the role of a substitute during the finals, which unfortunately provided fodder for online critics.
“There’s people calling me just mean things, calling me a professional bench warmer,” she candidly expressed in her appearance on Amazon Prime’s The Money Game. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old, recognized as the highest-paid female NIL athlete, wasn’t ready to retreat into obscurity. Shortly after her historic triumph with LSU, the gymnastics star shared a motivational video accompanied by the caption, “not Dunne yet.”
This enticing video sparked considerable excitement among fans as she boldly declared her decision to return for a fifth and final year at LSU. Defying the notion of retirement, the “#supersenior” is now resolutely preparing to vie once again for the highly coveted NCAA title. Dunne is already on a determined mission, intent on demonstrating her capabilities to help the Tigers secure their second national championship as a key member of the roster.
Earlier today, the 22-year-old gymnast captured the attention of her fans by dropping multiple Instagram stories that showcased her rigorous training regime at the Tigers’ gym. These stories presented snippets from Dunne’s inaugural practice session as a fifth-year athlete, with the first video highlighting her elegant warm-up routine for the vault featuring an impressive somersault and aerial flip combo.
Subsequent clips depicted Dunne executing a basic dismount and showcasing her skill with some backflips on the “good ole beam” at LSU’s gym. However, the videos also conveyed that the reigning LSU Coach’s Award winner is approaching her training with caution. The initial practice session focused on gradually intensifying her efforts, particularly after a series of shoulder injuries and shin splints that had nearly derailed her ambitions for the 2024 season. Still, Dunne is not alone in striving to rewrite history; the LSU gymnastics team is also making significant advancements.
Is 2025 shaping up to be an even bigger year for LSU and Olivia Dunne?
In addition to Olivia’s return for another season, LSU is actively pursuing top-tier young talent across the nation to strengthen its ranks. Their efforts are already proving fruitful with the announcement that Hezly Rivera, a rising star, will join LSU for the upcoming season. “I have verbally committed to Louisiana State University,” the 16-year-old Paris Olympic gold medalist proclaimed in September.
Rivera’s commitment to the Tigers presents a remarkable boon for Dunne. Not only will Rivera bring invaluable Olympic experience to the team, but her reunion with Dunne—who was a senior during Rivera’s introductory gymnastics lessons at ENA Gymnastics—will foster a collaborative training atmosphere, pushing both gymnasts to reach new heights.
Meanwhile, the Westwood, New Jersey native has established her dominance in another arena: NIL valuations. As noted by On3’s updated rankings, Dunne holds a commanding position atop the women’s category with an impressive NIL valuation of $4 million and is steadily climbing. She is rapidly closing in on Colorado Buffaloes’ quarterback Shedeur Sanders, currently sitting at the top.
Although Sanders boasts a valuation of $6.2 million, Dunne is not far behind. The social media sensation, with a staggering combined following of over 13.5 million, revealed that she once earned $500,000 from a single post in 2023. It’s reasonable to anticipate that brands will be vying for her endorsement in her final year at LSU. Thus, it’s evident that Olivia Dunne stands poised not only as a prominent figure within LSU and NIL space but as a true icon across the entire NCAA landscape.
**Interview with Olivia Dunne: A Look Ahead to 2025**
**Interviewer:** Olivia, congratulations on your incredible achievements with the LSU Tigers! You just had a momentous season, culminating in an NCAA championship victory. How did it feel to be part of such a significant milestone for your team?
**Olivia Dunne:** Thank you! It was surreal to be part of that championship win. Every moment leading up to it was nerve-wracking, especially being on the roster yet primarily in a substitute role. But being a part of that team victory was something truly special.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned facing some negativity online after being labeled a “professional bench warmer.” How did you cope with those comments?
**Olivia Dunne:** Honestly, it was disheartening at times, but I had to focus on the positives. I reminded myself that I was part of something bigger and that I still had a lot to contribute. I know my journey in gymnastics isn’t finished yet.
**Interviewer:** And now you’ve decided to return for a fifth year as a “#supersenior.” What motivated you to make this decision after such a significant championship win?
**Olivia Dunne:** I felt there was more for me to achieve and to give back to my team. The NCAA title is just the start; I want to continue improving and helping LSU secure more championships. Plus, the support from my fans and teammates was incredibly motivating.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of support, you’ve been very active on social media, sharing your training sessions. What do fans have to look forward to this upcoming season, especially after your rigorous training routines?
**Olivia Dunne:** I’m so excited for the season! I’ve been carefully working on my skills, especially after some injuries. Fans can expect to see a lot of hard work and hopefully great performances. I want to show that I’m not done yet and that I can make a significant impact on the team.
**Interviewer:** With the 2025 season approaching, do you think this year will be even bigger for both you and LSU gymnastics?
**Olivia Dunne:** Absolutely! The team is really coming together, and we’re all pushing each other to new heights. With my return and other exciting developments within the program, I truly believe 2025 will be a remarkable year for LSU gymnastics.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Olivia! Best of luck this season.
**Olivia Dunne:** Thank you! I can’t wait!