LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne is officially back in action as she begins her fifth and final year with the Tigers, hoping to help her team defend their national championship title. Dunne, known not only for her incredible gymnastics skills but also for her massive social media following, kicked off the season with her teammates during the highly-anticipated LSU Gym 101 showcase this week.
The event, held at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, allowed the Tigers to show fans their progress and routines as they gear up for what could be another historic season. Dunne, a vital part of LSU’s success last year, looked strong and confident as she took the floor in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
But it wasn’t just her performance that had fans buzzing. After the showcase, Dunne shared an adorable moment with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who was in Baton Rouge to cheer her on. Skenes, who has been busy traveling for his MLB commitments, made a point to be back on campus to support Dunne, and the two shared a heartwarming post-event photo that quickly captured the attention of fans online.
In the photo, Skenes is seen leaning in close to Dunne with a proud smile, showcasing their close bond and his unwavering support for her gymnastics career. Dunne captioned the sweet snapshot with a nod to how special the moment was, proving that despite their busy schedules, the pair makes time to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
Balancing Busy Schedules
While Livvy Dunne has spent much of the offseason training for her final collegiate gymnastics campaign, she’s also been a constant presence in Skenes’ MLB journey. The former LSU baseball star and No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft has been making waves as a rising ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Dunne has been spotted at several of his games throughout the summer.
Now, as the gymnastics season ramps up, it’s Skenes’ turn to return the favor. Fans can expect to see more of him supporting Dunne from the stands as she competes for LSU and chases back-to-back national titles.
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Dunne’s Renewed Passion for Gymnastics
Dunne’s return for her fifth year at LSU comes after a period of reflection and a renewed sense of passion for the sport she loves. Over the summer, Dunne shared a heartfelt message about her journey and why she decided to extend her gymnastics career.
“This past year I found a renewed love of the sport,” Dunne wrote. “I had trained a lot in the off season, so I felt really strong and healthy from the start and ready to contribute. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the team this year, and it all came together well. Winning the national championships was a great team accomplishment, but I feel like I have more to give as an individual competitor.”
She also highlighted her desire to inspire younger generations, saying, “I’ve seen how important women’s sports are to the younger generation, and I want to be part of always advocating for those opportunities.”
LSU’s Championship Ambitions
The Tigers are coming off a historic 2024 season in which they captured their first-ever NCAA gymnastics national championship. LSU sealed the title with a clutch performance from Aleah Finnegan, whose 9.95 on the balance beam in the final rotation propelled the team to victory.
The Tigers set a program-best 49.7625 in their final rotation, which also set a record for the NCAA Championship. It was a crowning achievement for a team that has been a perennial contender but had previously fallen short of the ultimate prize.
Now, with Dunne and her teammates determined to chase another title, LSU will enter the season as the team to beat. The reigning champions will rely on their depth, talent, and experience to defend their crown, and Dunne’s leadership as a veteran gymnast will be key to their success.
A Season to Watch
As the Tigers prepare for their 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on Baton Rouge—and on Livvy Dunne. Between her success in gymnastics, her massive platform off the mat, and her relationship with Paul Skenes, Dunne has become one of the most talked-about athletes in college sports.
Her heartwarming moment with Skenes after the Gym 101 showcase serves as a reminder of the support system she has behind her as she takes on this final chapter of her gymnastics career. With Skenes cheering from the sidelines and the LSU fanbase rallying behind the Tigers, Dunne and her teammates are ready to prove they’re still the team to beat.
For fans of LSU gymnastics and Livvy Dunne, this season promises to be one filled with excitement, emotion, and, hopefully, another championship trophy.
