Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes, two of sports and social media’s brightest young stars, have turned their offseason into a headline-grabbing Mediterranean adventure, captivating millions of fans with glimpses into their lives away from the spotlight. The couple’s October 2025 getaway to the sun-drenched shores of Taormina, Italy, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea has offered a rare look at their relationship, their roots, and the remarkable journeys that brought them together.
According to Total Pro Sports, Dunne, the former LSU gymnastics standout and Sports Illustrated model, shared a series of striking photos from her Italian retreat. One image, in particular, caught the internet’s attention: a serene, apparently nude shot among the lush greenery and tranquil waters of Sicily’s eastern coast. Dunne’s caption, simply “Omg,” captured her awe at the breathtaking scene. The photo quickly made waves across social media, with fans and followers marveling at both the scenery and Dunne’s confidence.
But the trip wasn’t just about stunning snapshots. As Sports Illustrated reported, Dunne’s vacation posts also included playful swimwear looks and a viral TikTok video that showed off her athletic prowess. In the clip, Dunne performed a flawless handstand on a paddleboard, floating atop the Mediterranean’s sapphire waters. With her signature blonde hair pulled back and a black one-piece swimsuit replacing her usual leotard, she balanced with ease against a backdrop of rugged rocks and lush green hills. The video’s cheeky overlay text read, “Never have seen my haters doing a handstand while on a paddleboard in the Mediterranean,” a nod to her critics and a wink to her 8 million TikTok followers.
The fan response was immediate and enthusiastic. Comments poured in, ranging from “ur so perfect” to good-natured jokes about the difficulty of such a feat. One follower quipped, “They probably can’t do it on dry land at their house,” while another exclaimed, “Killing it girl! Keep being your awesome self.” The lighthearted banter underscored Dunne’s enduring popularity and the loyalty of her social media audience.
Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, fresh off an historic season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been making the most of his rare downtime. As Inside the Pirates detailed, Skenes and Dunne took advantage of the offseason after the Pirates missed the MLB playoffs, ending their season on September 27, 2025. The couple rented a boat in Taormina, sampling local wines and Italian cuisine as they soaked up the coastal scenery. Their vacation, coming after a grueling season, was a well-earned respite for both athletes.
The roots of their relationship trace back to Louisiana State University, where both began their ascent to national fame. Skenes transferred to LSU from Air Force in 2023, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Tigers’ baseball program. His stats that season were nothing short of remarkable: a 13-2 record, 1.69 ERA, and 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings pitched. He helped lead LSU to a National Championship and was selected first overall in the MLB draft by the Pirates, signing a record $9.2 million bonus. Skenes’ star continued to rise, as he captured the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Award and, in 2025, delivered a season for the ages. He posted a 1.97 ERA—the lowest in the majors since Justin Verlander’s 2022 campaign—along with 216 strikeouts, a 0.95 WHIP, and 187.2 innings pitched. His 216 strikeouts were the most by a right-handed pitcher in the Pirates’ live-ball era, and he joined an elite group of pitchers with sub-2.00 ERAs and 200+ strikeouts in a single season.
Dunne’s journey has been equally impressive. As the most followed NCAA athlete on social media—boasting 5.3 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok—she became a digital icon while excelling on the gymnastics floor. Dunne helped LSU win its first National Title in the 2023-24 season, set a career-high 9.900 on floor twice, and finished her fifth and final collegiate season in spring 2025 with a third-place national finish. Her time on the U.S. National Team in 2017 and her transition to modeling for Sports Illustrated cemented her status as a multi-talented star.
The couple’s bond has only strengthened since their college days. After the Pirates’ season wrapped, Skenes and Dunne spent time together in Louisiana, revisiting the LSU campus where it all began. They attended a Tigers football game at Tiger Stadium on October 11, 2025, watching LSU defeat South Carolina 20-10 and even meeting comedian and podcaster Theo Von. Earlier in the year, they celebrated Dunne’s 23rd birthday in New York City, taking in the Statue of Liberty and enjoying time in her Manhattan apartment. Dunne also purchased a new home in Jupiter, Florida, with Skenes helping her move in (and reportedly making great use of his new hot dog roller—proof that even superstar athletes enjoy the simple things).
Fans of both Dunne and Skenes have been delighted by the couple’s openness, with their social media feeds offering a blend of glamour, athleticism, and down-to-earth moments. Their shared journey—marked by hard work, record-breaking achievements, and a willingness to embrace life’s adventures—has resonated with followers who see in them a rare mix of discipline and spontaneity.
As the offseason continues, Dunne remains busy with commercial projects and her ongoing modeling career, while Skenes gears up for another run at the MLB playoffs. Their Italian vacation, though, stands as a reminder of the importance of rest, connection, and savoring life’s beautiful moments—whether that means a handstand on a paddleboard, a glass of Sicilian wine, or simply time spent together away from the pressures of fame.
For Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes, the Mediterranean adventure was more than just a break from routine; it was a celebration of how far they’ve come—and a preview, perhaps, of the many adventures still to come.
