Olivia Dunne is a cornerstone of LSU gymnastics, but her senior year has been a rollercoaster ride. In January, she suffered an avulsion fracture in her patella, a brutal knee injury that has kept her off the mat for most of the season. Still, her name dominates the headlines, thanks to a social media following that reaches into the millions on TikTok (8M) and Instagram (5M). She’s easily the most famous college athlete around, but that spotlight often drowns out her actual role on the team. The truth is, LSU has gymnasts who outperform her and carry the lineup week in and week out. Dunne is no slouch, she’s a solid competitor with real skill, but she might not be the superstar her fame might suggest. Sidelined or not, she’s been a vocal supporter for the Tigers as they charge toward the NCAA Regional Final, proving her heart is still in the game.
Paul Skenes LSU Gymnastics Hype Video
Enter Paul Skenes, Dunne’s friend and former LSU baseball hero, who dropped a surprise that has everyone talking. He narrated a hype video for the LSU gymnastics team just in time for their NCAA Regional Final showdown. Over a reel of the Tigers’ best moments, Skenes’ voice rings out: “This stage isn’t just any stage – it’s the next step to the ultimate goal.” The team earned its spot in the Penn State Regional Final with a commanding 198.100 in the semifinals, and now they’ll face No. 16 Arkansas, No. 9 Kentucky and No. 8 Michigan State on Saturday.
Skenes, who pitched LSU to the 2023 College World Series title before going No. 1 overall to the Pirates, teamed up with former teammate Dylan Crews, who added: “From the diamond to the gym, the Tigers know what it means to compete at the highest level”. Dunne, watching from the sidelines, called it “iconic.” A top-two finish this weekend will send LSU to its 34th NCAA Championship, and a win could earn its 15th regional crown.
Skenes Shines in His Second MLB Season
While Dunne cheers on her team, Skenes is lighting up the mound in his second year with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year has come out swinging – or rather, pitching – with two stellar starts to start the season. Through 12.1 innings, he’s given up barely a hit, posted a slick 1.46 ERA, and racked up 13 strikeouts against just two walks. He also has not allowed a home run. Among pitchers with more than 12 innings this young MLB season, he’s third in fewest hits surrendered, a stat that’s turning heads. The Pirates see him as their ace-in-the-making, the guy to lead their rotation and spark a run in the NL Central. After a rookie campaign that set the bar sky-high, Skenes is showing that he might just top it in 2025.
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