What happens when two of the most followed young athletes in America fall in love? You get a sports power couple that the internet simply can’t get enough of. Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes have taken over both the sports world and social media. Some athletes take years to make their mark. Paul Skenes? He needed just one season. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace stormed into the majors with a rookie season for the ages, and at every step, Olivia Dunne—his biggest fan and a sports icon in her own right—was right there with him. Their journey is as much about love as it is about legacy.

For most young pitchers, the road to MLB greatness is filled with struggles. But Paul Skenes? He made it look effortless. In his 2024 rookie season, he didn’t just meet expectations—he shattered them. Posting an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA (the best in the league) and striking out 170 batters in just 133 innings, he quickly became the Pirates’ ace. His dominance earned him the NL Rookie of the Year award, a rare All-Star Game start as a rookie (the first pitcher to do so since Hideo Nomo in 1995), and even a third-place finish in the Cy Young race—an incredible feat for a first-year player. As the 2025 season unfolds, Skenes continues to prove he’s not just a rising star; he’s already among the game’s elite.

Livvy Dunne knows firsthand the sacrifices that come with elite sports, which is why she couldn’t help but feel relieved alongside undeniable pride when Paul Skenes rocketed through the minor leagues. “I’m actually very happy he flew through the minor leagues,” she said, before bluntly adding why the rapid ascent mattered, “Because some of those places were brutal.” Her remark is an implicit reminder of the grim realities that lie below the surface of the glamour of professional sports stardom.

Dunne’s description of some minor league places as “brutal” probably refers to the well-known grind: the daily schedule, endless bus travel, dealing with poor living situations, and thinly padded salaries. Not even a generational talent like Skenes was fully immune. He freely admitted the mental hurdle of his Double-A debut, smartly observing that baseball is “never as bad as it seems, and it’s never as good as it seems.” He also expressed frustration over strict workload limits in Triple-A, revealing that even elite talents face hurdles. It’s a reminder that, even for the best, the road to the majors isn’t always smooth.

However, Skenes’ time traveling those potential hard roads was brief, thanks to his rare talent. Less than a year after the Pirates made him the No. 1 overall pick and handed him a record $9.2 million signing bonus, he was simply too good to keep down. His Triple-A numbers (0.99 ERA, 45 Ks) made his promotion inevitable. And when he finally took the mound for the Pirates on May 11, 2024, he didn’t disappoint. Facing the Cubs, he struck out seven batters while regularly touching 100 mph on the radar gun. Just like that, a new MLB star was born. Through it all, Livvy Dunne has embraced being Paul Skenes’ biggest cheerleader.

Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes’ unbreakable bond

Through all of Skenes’s success, Livvy Dunne has proudly embraced the role of his No. 1 fan. Last summer, she was mic’d up for his historic All-Star Game start, and fans fell in love with her adorable ritual—before every pitch, she shouts, “Let’s go, Paul!” It’s not just for show, either. Whether she’s watching from the stands or streaming games at home with their golden retriever, Roux, Dunne never misses a moment. And for his MLB debut? She made sure he walked in with style, gifting him a sleek black Gucci tie—now a lucky charm for special occasions.

And the love goes both ways. Skenes is just as dedicated to Dunne’s career, often spotted cheering her on at LSU gymnastics meets. He’s not shy about showing his admiration either—his social media is filled with heartfelt birthday tributes and celebratory posts about her achievements. In one viral moment, he even attempted a few gymnastics moves for a TikTok video (though let’s just say, he should probably stick to pitching). But beyond the fun, his biggest priority is Dunne’s well-being. “I just want her to be healthy and enjoy it,” he’s said, proving that their bond is built on more than just sports—it’s built on genuine care for each other’s happiness.

Skenes and Dunne now join the ranks of iconic sports power couples—think Justin Verlander and Kate Upton, Derek Jeter and Hannah Jeter, or Dansby Swanson and Mallory Pugh. What makes them stand out? Their ability to balance the pressures of elite sports with a relationship built on admiration and unwavering support. As they continue to dominate their respective fields, one thing is clear— they’ll be cheering each other on every step of the way. What do you think—are Skenes and Dunne on their way to becoming the ultimate sports power couple? Drop your thoughts!