LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne is returning to Baton Rouge for a fifth season as the Tigers try to run it back after winning the program’s first NCAA gymnastics title in April.
Dunne — famously known as “Livvy” to teammates, fans and her 5.3 million Instagram followers — announced her decision to use her final year of NCAA eligibility by reading a letter she wrote to LSU in a video posted to social media Monday.
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“These past four years have changed my life. 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 be your very best, and there’s something about being part of a team that made school history,” she said. “No matter how many opportunities come my way off the mat, there’s just something about LSU. That’s why I’m here to say I’m not done yet.”
One of the highest earners in the NIL landscape, Dunne recently signed a multi-million dollar deal with Passes, a platform that allows content creators an outlet to post exclusive content for paying members. The 21-year-old also boasts partnerships with Vuori, a clothing line, and pet food brand Purina.
She's Not Dunne Yet#GeauxTigers | @livvydunne pic.twitter.com/gGSeHHnN1s
— LSU Gymnastics (@LSUgym) July 8, 2024
An event specialist who competes on the uneven bars and floor exercise, Dunne will add depth to the Tigers’ stacked roster. She competed in nine meets last season and received the Coaches Award for her willingness to step into lineups when needed. Dunne’s personal-best scores include a 9.900 on floor and a 9.925 on bars.
She joins reigning NCAA all-around champion Haleigh Bryant, Sierra Ballard, Alyona Shchennikova and Chase Brock as Tigers taking their final year. Rising senior Aleah Finnegan, who clinched LSU’s national championship with a rock solid beam routine, is another name to watch along with incoming freshman Kaliya Lincoln, who finished ninth in the all-around and fifth on floor at the U.S. Olympic trials.
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(Photo: Alex Goodlett / Getty Images)