Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is clearly a fan of his girlfriend Olivia Dunne’s recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot.
At the launch event for the 2024 edition of the magazine — which celebrates its 60th anniversary — Dunne, a 21-year-old LSU gymnast, shared Skenes’ reaction to her photoshoot in Portugal where she was featured in various bikinis and beachwear.
“I’m pretty sure he said, ‘Damn,’” Dunne recounted during a red carpet interview with SI Swimsuit. “He was like, ‘Damn.’”
The couple, whose relationship was confirmed last summer, sees Dunne making her second appearance in SI Swimsuit following her debut in 2023. She joins this year’s impressive rookie lineup alongside Jena Sims, golfer Brooks Koepka’s wife, and Brittany Mahomes, married to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
For Dunne, being featured in the magazine is “a dream come true.” As a college athlete who has transitioned into a social media sensation, she has amassed over 13 million followers across Instagram and TikTok and holds an NIL valuation of $3.9 million, according to On3 Sports.
RELATED: Livvy Dunne’s Relationship With Paul Skenes Gets Trashed by Social Media Rival
Last week, Dunne attended SI Swimsuit issue launch events in New York and Florida, appearing alongside prominent golf influencer Paige Spiranac, who is also featured in this year’s issue.
Supportive of her boyfriend, Dunne was present at PNC Park in Pittsburgh this Thursday to watch Skenes pitch. In that game, Skenes delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings and allowing just one run in the Pirates’ narrow 7-6 defeat to the Giants.
Having been the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes impressed in his major league debut earlier this month by striking out seven batters.
Dunne’s popularity among Pittsburgh fans was highlighted during the game when a young fan cited her as one of his favorite things about Skenes, exclaiming, “His mustache and Livvy Dunne!”
The Pirates, currently with a 23-28 record, are set to host the 29-18 Braves on Friday night.
