Olivia Dunne is heading into her final NCAA season at LSU, and she’s making every moment count. After five years of balancing gymnastics, fame, and the pressures of being one of the most recognizable college athletes, this is her last shot to leave her mark. But what does it really feel like to say goodbye to a sport that has shaped you?

Olivia Dunne has built an impressive legacy during her time at LSU! From the moment she started the collegiate stage, she has demonstrated beyond a doubt that she offered more than a social media presence. She was a serious competitor. The freshman season of her college career included an All-American honor from uneven bars with an exceptional average score of 9.84. But she didn’t stop there.

Within her sophomore year, Dunne boosted her career-best scores to 9.925 on the bars and 9.900 on the floor event. And the talented athlete has maintained this consistency since then. With the countdown to her retirement ticking away, Dunne is making the most of each experience inside and outside the training room. For her, this season is about more than just the routines.

Through this sport, she has formed deep friendships based on memorable collaborative moments with each of her team members. “I’m just trying to seize every opportunity and make the most of it and make those memories,” she shared with ESPN. Gymnastics became the central aspect of her identity after she joined at age three. And Dunne is taking pleasure in everything that remains before leaving behind her current chapter.

The elapsed uncertainty about her upcoming season remains unresolved, but it becomes evident that she is setting things straight. She commits to departing without any regret. As she finishes her senior year, Olivia Dunne has vital things on her mind beyond individual success. “The travel meets are some of the best memories you’ll have when you’re a college athlete and being with the girls on the team. Even just practicing every day is special. These are my sisters, and that’s something I’ll never forget,” Dunne said.

Living this experience means everything to the individuals who stayed with her throughout the journey. Jay Clark, LSU’s coach, has often emphasized, “Happiness begins where selfishness ends.” The role of being a team player inspires Dunne to put her support behind her fellow team members even when she does not take center stage.

She has also employed her position as a leading college gymnast to attract attention to athletic competition. However, within the team, she remains simply “Liv,” a leader, a sister, and a competitor who has given everything to LSU gymnastics.

A historic victory & a triumphant return

The year 2024 brought major progress to LSU gymnastics. The Tiger gymnastics team succeeded in winning their debut NCAA championship after multiple near-miss attempts, which secured their place in NCAA history books. The highly anticipated title win was unlike any other athletic victory. A combination of never-ending commitment along with unwavering faith that their victory would arrive turned into reality.

LSU achieved dominance through Savannah Schoener and Aleah Finnegan’s outstanding achievements to produce a powerful total of 198.225. The Tigers landed their first NCAA victory when they passed California’s score of 197.850 to seize the title, which had escaped them for many seasons. Dunne documented the team’s victory through Instagram by perfectly expressing their emotions after the win. She

wrote, “Special team, special players.” But LSU wasn’t done making waves.

The team finds ways to advance their limits beyond every obstacle. The path to success for LSU in this season has proven challenging from the beginning to the end. The competition faced additional uncertainty as Olivia Dunne disappeared from competitions, which made many spectators question what happened to her. Her last performance against Arkansas resulted in a 9.7 score, although LSU lost the game.

Since then, the Tigers have faced tough matchups against Missouri, Alabama, and No. 1 Oklahoma. And they have faced them all without Dunne in the lineup. LSU Head Coach Jay Clark provided further details, explaining, “Liv’s knee is still an issue. It isn’t a stress fracture, but it is a stress reaction on her kneecap.” While not a severe break, the injury still demands patience.

However, a big dilemma for LSU has emerged since the end of her collegiate career approaches. When will she return, considering this meet marks the end of her collegiate gymnastics? Let us know in the comments.