Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and social media sensation, recently made headlines not for her athletic prowess, but for her presence at Citi Field in New York. After leading LSU to a national championship in 2024, Dunne’s collegiate career came to an abrupt end when the team was eliminated in the semifinals this season. An avulsion fracture in her kneecap suffered in March kept her out of the postseason, and in April, she announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics.
Now with LSU behind her, Dunne has focused on new ventures, including supporting her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, a former first-round draft pick from LSU. Her most recent stop was the Mets-Pirates game at Citi Field, where Dunne joined three Sports Illustrated models for the ceremonial first pitch, blending sports and celebrity in a high-profile event.
Dunne and SI Models Shine at First Pitch
Dunne’s appearance at Citi Field was a star-studded affair, as she was joined by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit veterans Camille Kostek, Ellie Thumann and Alexandra “Xandra” Pohl. The Mets rolled out the red carpet and presented Dunne, a New Jersey native, with an honorary Mets jersey, a gesture that likely didn’t sit well with Skenes. Kostek, Thumann and Pohl, all wearing personalized Mets jerseys, took turns on the mound, adding glamour to the occasion. Dunne, respecting both her boyfriend’s team and the Mets, opted for a simple white top and ball cap, though she was later seen cheering on Skenes from the stands with a Coors in hand and a backwards Pirates hat before the result turned upside down for her and Skenes.
The trio of models mingled with Mets players like Mark Vientos, Tyrone Taylor and Huascar Brazoban as Dunne commanded the attention of the crowd, much like Taylor Swift at an NFL game. Her influence extends far beyond the field, thanks to her status as a pioneer in the NIL era, with a net worth of approximately $9.5 million, according to On3, driven by her massive social media following – 13 million across platforms, including 8 million on TikTok and 5.3 million on Instagram. Dunne’s blend of athleticism, beauty and charisma, guided by her agent Garrett Yaralian, has made her a sports and fashion influencer.
Skenes’ Struggle and the Mets’ Victory
The game itself didn’t go the way Dunne had hoped, but it was a success for her fellow SI models representing the Mets. Paul Skenes turned in a solid performance, going six full innings, allowing six hits. with one run, and striking out six batters. At the time of his exit, the score was tied 1-1, but the Pirates faltered in the seventh, surrendering two runs to fall 4-3 at the end of the game. The loss was the Pirates’ 28th of the season, leaving them as the third-worst team in MLB, with only the Chicago White Sox (12-29) and Colorado Rockies (7-34) faring worse. Skenes’ effort was commendable, but the Pirates’ struggles this year were evident.
For Dunne, the night was a mix of personal support and professional networking, while the SI models enjoyed a winning moment with the Mets. Her presence at Citi Field alongside the SI models underscored her evolving role in the sports world. While the outcome of the game was disappointing for her and Skenes, the night was a reminder of her broad appeal and the new chapter she’s embarking on. As she moves forward, Dunne’s influence is likely to grow, blending her athletic legacy with her burgeoning career in media and fashion.
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