Olivia Dunne has announced she will be returning to Louisiana State University (LSU) to compete for a fifth year.
Olivia Dunne TikTok proves she can look good while messing up gymnastics
Dunne confirms return to LSU Gymnastics
The 21-year-old shared the news on social media, captioning her post with “not Dunne yet” and accompanying it with a video in which she read a heartfelt letter to LSU fans, featuring clips from her past four years of competition.
“These past four years have changed my life,”Dunne expressed.
“There’s something about putting on a purple and gold leotard. There’s something about competing in front of 13,000 screaming Tiger fans. There’s something about being pushed by your coaches to do your very best. And there’s something about being part of a team that made school history. No matter how many opportunities come my way off the mat, there’s just something about LSU. And that’s why I’m here to say, I’m not Dunne yet. Here’s to Year Five, baby.”
Dunne has made a significant impact in her time at LSU, competing in the uneven bars and floor routine.
She played a crucial role in LSU’s historic national championship win in April, where the Tigers clinched their first title ahead of California at the NCAA championships.
Utah and Florida followed in third and fourth places, respectively.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Dunne has been a consistent academic performer, being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for four consecutive years.
Her decision to return is fueled not only by the chance to compete for another national title under coach Jay Clark but also by her remarkable success off the mat.
Dunne set to remain among NIL top earners
Dunne stands as one of the most marketable athletes in college sports, boasting massive social media followings on TikTok and Instagram, which surpass those of any other NCAA competitor.
Her popularity has translated into substantial financial success, making her one of the top NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earners among NCAA athletes.
Dunne reportedly draws the highest NIL income among female college athletes, earning millions of dollars annually.
Her prominence has earned her a spot in the upcoming Prime Video docuseries on NIL titled “The Money Game,” where she will be featured alongside fellow LSU athletes Angel Reese, Jayden Daniels, and Flau’Jae Johnson.
Granted an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dunne’s return extends her collegiate career until April 2025.
Despite her extensive portfolio of brand endorsements and lucrative opportunities, Dunne chose to return, emphasizing her commitment to LSU and her love for the sport.
During the offseason, Dunne has been busy both personally and professionally.
She supported her MLB boyfriend, Paul Skenes, at his games with the Pittsburgh Pirates and made her second appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition in May.
She also attended Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July White Party alongside notable athletes like Joe Burrow, Odell Beckham Jr., and Tom Brady.
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