Former LSU gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne turned heads once again-not just for her glamorous appearance but also for a lighthearted interaction during an MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Dunne, who has become a regular at Pirates games, posted a humorous Instagram story featuring the Diamondbacks‘ mascot, D. Baxter the Bobcat, captioning the photo “Frenemies.”
A rising star in two worlds: Sports and influence
The moment came during a game where Dunne‘s boyfriend, Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, continued to impress on the mound.
Skenes pitched 6 scoreless innings, striking out seven and allowing just four hits, helping lead Pittsburgh to a 10-1 win. This marked yet another strong performance in what’s shaping up to be a breakout season for the young pitcher.
Dunne has been a consistent supporter of Skenes throughout his transition from college baseball stardom at LSU to the professional stage. Their relationship has become one of the most talked-about pairings in sports, merging two different fan bases-MLB followers and college gymnastics enthusiasts.
With over 13 million followers across her social media platforms, Dunne has leveraged her platform to elevate both her brand and that of Skenes. Her presence at games, often decked out in Pirates gear, has contributed to a noticeable uptick in visibility for the team, especially among younger fans who follow her journey closely.
Dunne‘s engagement with fans extends beyond just game-day appearances. She’s frequently seen interacting on social media, posting behind-the-scenes content from games and even sharing personal moments that humanize the life of a professional athlete’s partner.
Her blend of humor, authenticity, and media savvy has helped her become one of the most marketable athletes-turned-influencers in recent years.
A star couple in the making
The blend of athletic excellence and social media star power continues to set Dunne and Skenes apart as a rising couple in the sports world.
While Skenes focuses on his promising MLB career, Dunne has shown she’s equally committed to supporting him in a way that reflects both her charisma and fan engagement skills.
With the Pirates eyeing a potential playoff push and Skenes maintaining his high level of play, Dunne‘s presence could continue to be a good-luck charm-and a media sensation-in stadiums across the country.
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