Livvy Dunne, the all-worldly gymnast from LSU, has made a dazzling return to her collegiate gymnastics career, kicking off her final season with remarkable success. The LSU gymnastics team celebrated the start of the 2025 season before 12,000 enthusiastic fans at their home gym. The evening was made even more special as they unveiled their 2024 national championship banner, setting the stage for the competitive night to come.
With rife anticipation, the team faced off against Iowa State, and they did not disappoint, securing a convincing victory with a score of 197.300 to 194.100. Amidst the flashing lights and swirling excitement, Dunne showcased her exceptional talents, contributing significantly to the team's win. The fifth-year senior executed her beam routine with poise, scoring 9.825—a performance acknowledged by fans and teammates alike.
The support from her partner Paul Skenes, the prominent pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the National League Rookie of the Year, added to the evening's charm. He was present at the event, watching Dunne with focused admiration, his expression reflecting the pride of someone supportive of his loved one achieving monumental moments. "Liv beam debut alert ⚠️ @livvydunne scores a 9.825 in the fourth spot!" tweeted LSU Gymnastics, illustrating the team's excitement over her strong start.
Not only did Dunne flourish on the beam, but she also wowed the crowd during her floor routine, where she scored an impressive 9.875. Her performance was nothing short of electrifying, embodying the strength and grace she is known for. Head coach Jay Clark expressed his satisfaction with the team’s opening performance: "Once the banner went up, I pulled them together and said ‘okay, let’s go." He indicated how the team maintained their focus amid the charged atmosphere of the evening.
Clark noted, “I felt really good about it. It may be the best opening performance we had, top to bottom,” reflecting on the collective mindset of his squad as they embarked on their title defense. “They didn’t get distracted by things, and they’re still getting their legs under them,” he added, acknowledging the room for growth as they move forward.
Beyond her talents on the mat, Livvy Dunne’s popularity continues to soar off the gym floor, underscoring her status as one of collegiate sports' biggest stars. With over 5.3 million followers on Instagram and 8.1 million on TikTok, Dunne has amassed significant financial success during her time at LSU, earning approximately $9.5 million, largely attributed to her enduring appeal.
According to Ona3.com, she earns about $4.2 million annually, placing her fifth behind notable college football players like Arch Manning and Shedeur Sanders. It’s clear her ability to excel athletically has propelled her brand, and with the national spotlight on her, it’s likely her value will continue to increase as the season progresses.
This exceptional combination of athletic prowess and social media influence makes Dunne one of the most recognized figures not just in gymnastics, but throughout the collegiate sports framework. She stands as a beacon of talent and inspiration for many aspiring gymnasts across the nation.
With her career at LSU on the line, Livvy Dunne is set to conclude her collegiate path with as much brilliance as she has displayed during her time there. The LSU gymnastics team looks well positioned for another championship run, driven by talented athletes like Dunne and their remarkable coach, Jay Clark.
The opening night left fans excited for what’s to come as they anticipate more stunning performances from Dunne and her teammates this season. The triumph against Iowa State sets the tone for the challenges and victories awaiting the Tigers this year as they aim to defend their title.