Olivia Dunne, LSU gymnast and one of the most prominent names in college athletics and social media, turned 23 on Wednesday. The birthday celebration, which she shared with her 5 million-plus Instagram followers, sparked an outpouring of messages from fans and members of the Pittsburgh Pirates family alike.
Dunne, who is dating Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, marked the occasion with a lighthearted caption: “a tini bit older.”
The post featured snapshots from her birthday festivities and quickly drew tens of thousands of likes.
While her fans filled the comments section with well-wishes, it was the messages from the spouses and partners of Skenes‘ teammates that showed just how much Dunne has become part of the extended Pirates circle.
Pirates family sends birthday love
Among those to chime in was Maria McCutchen, wife of longtime Pittsburgh star Andrew McCutchen, who wrote: “Happy birthdayyyy!.” Rylie Fox, fiancée of pitcher Jared Jones, added: “A beautiful bday girl !!.”
Nick Gonzales’ wife, Rylee, also joined in, calling Dunne a “gorgeous gorgeous girl!!” while Joey Bart’s fiancée, Madeline Frye, playfully commented: “happy birthday sweet girl!! still obsessed with the outfit.”
The comments highlighted the close-knit nature of the Pirates’ support system, which has welcomed Dunne as Skenes‘ profile continues to rise in Major League Baseball.
A milestone year
Turning 23, often dubbed the “Michael Jordan year,” is the latest milestone for Dunne in what has already been a remarkable stretch.
Beyond her gymnastics career, she has built a global following as a model and influencer, forging major brand partnerships and shaping her own digital empire. Her relationship with Skenes has only amplified her visibility, placing her squarely at the intersection of sports and pop culture.
For Dunne, the birthday celebration captured more than just a personal milestone. It reflected both her connection to fans who have followed her journey from gymnastics to social media stardom, and her growing ties to the Pirates‘ community.
Surrounded by love from all sides, she begins her 23rd year with a mix of athletic accomplishment, digital influence, and a strong support system.
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