The 2024-25 season will be an especially demanding one for LSU’s women’s gymnastics team. Winning the NCAA title for the first time in the program’s history, the Tigers are running high on emotions and will be looking to ensure the trophy stays in Baton Rouge. However, while the pressure is understandably high, Olivia Dunne seems to have someone to help and keep things candid during training.

Dunne’s boyfriend Paul Skenes enjoys a wide fan following in his own right. Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes is having a decent enough time for himself in the MLB. However, it looks like the pitcher isn’t afraid to try his hands at his beau’s world either.

Livvy took to TikTok on October 5, to share how her bae was having a blast while perfecting his gymnastics skills. “Rating our newest LSU gymnastics recruit,” jokes Dunne in the caption of the brief video before showcasing Skenes’ skills. While Dunne wasn’t exactly a fan of her boyfriend’s time on the trampoline or the beam, even she had to agree that he took on the front flip with gusto. Rating his effort 8 out of 10, Dunne acknowledged that the MLB star was “a bit mental on this one.”

On the trampoline, Paul managed to receive 6 out of 10 from Dunne. “Not very aerodynamic” was the main factor that didn’t sit well with the reigning NCAA champ, but she had to take into consideration that the performer was having fun while at it, which is also a major part of gymnastics. While Skenes got an even lower score on the beam, his courage to overcome the nervousness was a big win in Dunne’s books.

And yet, despite his shortcomings, Skenes apparently did well when it came to pulling Livvy’s legs, literally, and earned an 8-out-of-10 score on that front. The lighthearted physical banter might be just the thing that Dunne needed to help her get comfortable in the gym, especially considering the tough task she had ahead.

A new challenge awaits in the 2024-25 season for Olivia Dunne and her comrades

In the past season, every one of the LSU Lady Tigers dished out spectacular performances week after week. Led by the highlight capable head coach Jay Clark, the squad was able to ensure their well-being was prioritized by the team, giving them the mental boost they needed to go all out at competitions. “They know that they are not a score to us…it’s about who they are as a person,” Clark said in February this year, noting that the gymnasts’ mental and physical conditions were given more importance than the Tigers’ national campaign. Dunne & Co. reciprocated with enthusiasm and proved that Clark’s optimism was not misplaced.

Dunne announced her return for one final ride soon after the NCAA Championship concluded. The news throttled the LSU fans into a frenzy, which was only amplified by her teammate Haleigh Bryant also announcing her comeback for her fifth and final year with the Tigers. To make sure the women find the strength to defend their first-ever NCAA title, the fans are also gearing up, and Olivia’s own sister Julz is likely to lead the cheerleading charge for the upcoming season. Who are you the most excited to watch for the upcoming collegiate gymnastics season? Drop by with a comment below!