The X-handle of the LSU Tigers has already blown the bugle. The social media page has posted a list of seven matchups in which Olivia Dunne and her team will compete against NCAA gymnastics powerhouses this season. Meanwhile, the season begins on January 3 with a matchup versus Iowa State. A fantastic opponent in the forefront! So, the Tigers will have to push themselves since they heard the word ‘go’. However, the stakes will be high because the Tigers will enter the show as the defending champion. Furthermore, the upcoming season will be pivotal for Dunne and four others. 

In the upcoming college gymnastics season, the five gymnasts will start as the ‘super seniors.’ Their fifth-year eligibility for the COVID disruption has earned them such a title. But in that bunch, there is someone whom Livvy prefers to call ‘GOAT.’ Can you guess who she is? 

Olivia Dunne enjoys the moment with Paul Skenes and another GOAT 

On Friday (November 22), Olivia Dunne engaged in the Intrasquad Day with fellow gymnasts in Baton Rouge. For her, this edition of the Intrasquad meet had been special. Reason?

It was the “Last intrasquad of the fall.” And there are just two weeks to start the competition. So, entering into a similar Intrasquad meet might not be possible for her. However, her teammate Haleigh Bryant perhaps did not show up on the mat. But she was present in the gym to enjoy the entire show. Surprisingly, Olivia’s boyfriend, Paul Skenes, also appeared on the scene to enjoy a glimpse of the fireworks.

And guess what? Olivia Dunne didn’t miss the chance to capture two of her best mates in a single frame. She eventually did and shared the snap in her Instagram story on November 23. The caption of the photo narrates Dunne’s feelings for them. 

It reads, “So much [goat emoji] in one photo”. The world of sports surely watches the duo through such a lens. Why? Just look at their records. A few days ago, Skenes, the charismatic pitcher from the Pittsburgh Pirates, bagged the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year title. At 22, his prodigious pitching ability has already earned him laurels from the top class. Bryant, on the other hand, was pivotal in winning the national gymnastics title for the LSU Tigers last season. 

Last season, the 23-year-old all-around was possibly the most consistent gymnast in the entire competition. She had averages running over 9.900 in every event, in addition to the highest all-around score (39.925) in school history. Meanwhile, her accomplishments followed her, making her one of the most decorated gymnasts in the program’s history. That list included the coveted 2024 Honda Sport award. Now, she was the witness of Olivia’s Intrasquad meet. Additionally, in a few days, she will step into the same avenue as Livvy. 

The queens of Baton Rouge will enter their last dance 

On November 20, the X-handle of LSU Gymnastics uploaded a 42-second clip featuring five gymnasts. With Olivia Dunne and Haleigh Bryant, names like Sierra Ballard, Chase Brock, Alyona Shchennikova, and Aleah Finnegan joined. The common string between these names is the COVID-19 extended eligibility. Yes, just like Livvy, the other four will enter the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to complete their last year in the collegiate gymnastics career. Naturally, the moments will be bound to be heavy for them. A glimpse of it was visible when Bryant announced her comeback for the fifth year in the camp. 

On February 27, she posted, “Competing in the [Pete Maravich Assembly Center] every Friday night has been a dream come true. Nothing compares to the joy I have competing in the purple and gold. So the answer to the question you’ve all been waiting for: I am back for Year 5.”

The excited camp also yearns to see these stars take the mantle for one last time. Folks, can you guess what these Queens are called now? The Super Senior. Olivia Dunne has just added some spice by calling Haleigh Bryant the GOAT. Isn’t the season taking the hype at the right moment? What do you think?