Olivia Dunne’s decision to come back for her fifth year at LSU? No question, she knew it was the right move. Even after a little stumble in the NCAA season opener, she’s confident it was the best decision. The NCAA’s highest-paid female athlete didn’t just come back to the coast, she’s got one thing on her mind: another NCAA trophy. Back in July, Olivia made it official that she’d be returning, and while LSU didn’t grab that coveted first-place spot in their season opener on Friday, January 4th, 2024, second place isn’t exactly something to complain about, right?

But here’s the thing: there was a lot of pressure on Livvy. As one of the top gymnasts on the team, the spotlight was on her, especially with Haleigh Bryant out of the meet. Still, Olivia didn’t let any of that get to her. Sure, some fans were quick to voice their opinions about her return, with one LSU fan even saying, “With or without her, they got this! Geaux Tigers.” But Olivia Dunne? She wasn’t bothered in the slightest. She shut down the critics with her usual confidence in a recent interview!

Olivia Dunne shuts down critics at press conference

On January 6th, Olivia Dunne, Konnor McClain, and LSU coach Jay Clark were all present at a press conference shared on LSU Sports’ YouTube channel. The timing of the conference was crucial, with two major challenges on the horizon for LSU Gymnastics. Just days before the Tigers would face No. 6 Cal, No. 1 Oklahoma, and No. 4 Utah at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Squad event on January 11, and then host the Florida Gators for a high-stakes duel on January 17, the press conference was a chance for the team to prepare and address questions. During the session, Olivia was asked about her decision to return for a fifth year and how she felt after competing in two events the previous Friday.

Livvy’s response? Sharp and full of conviction, Olivia shut down the critics who had questioned her value to LSU’s title hopes, with some even labeling her as “overrated.” In a calm tone, Olivia shared, “Yeah, Friday was great. The best way I can describe it is just complete joy. I had a blast and I feel like the decision to come back was one of the best decisions I ever made. I feel like I have to seize every moment because I know it could be my last. It’s my last year of eligibility, and I just really want to make the best of it and have the best time with this group of girls because we’re never going to get this team back, and we’re a special group of girls.”

When Olivia Dunne was further asked about the challenges of returning for her fifth year, knowing the grind it would take, her response was full of raw emotion. “Yeah, it’s definitely a challenge to be a D1 athlete, no matter what sport you’re in,” she shared, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “But I think the daily grind is something I’ll cherish forever.” Olivia blinked, looking slightly choked by the idea of the final season. Recalling early mornings, late nights and the travel meets overwhelmed her and she could barely stand the memory. ‘It’s such a special time,’ she said gently. But the girl had learnt to reign in those emotions, such was the pressure of those memories: heavy as stone.

“I’m so grateful to be back to experience it one last time with my best friends.” Livvy became emotional and added, “I’m the closest to these freshmen and the group of girls.”Although LSU came in at the second position in the first game of the competition. She wants to take that top spot very much. The question everyone is asking themselves these days is: Why did LSU fail to secure this top position?

Can LSU beat Oklahoma, Utah, and California?

Passion—and that’s what LSU Gymnastics brought to the table in the season opener for them. Even though the Tigers failed to get the first position, they showed everyone that they are a team to contend with. They came in strong with a 197.300-194.100 win in the PMAC against Iowa State. They performed among the best on all the apparatus-coming third on vault, fifth on bars, fourth on beam, and first on floor. As expected, Aleah Finnegan and Kailin Chio were on fire, with Finnegan receiving the highest all-around score on opening night in an LSU gymnast. The score of 39.725 was enough to take her to the top, and Chio was shocked with the first-ever event win. But this is just the beginning.

The Tigers are getting ready for a showdown at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad on January 11. There, they’ll face Oklahoma, No. 4 Utah, and No. 6 California. But with veterans like Finnegan and rising stars like Chio, along with Haleigh Bryant making her comeback from injury, LSU’s lineup looks fire.

As for Olivia Dunne, she’s still a driving force both on and off the floor. Her NIL value may have plateaued at $4.2 million for now, but this is her last year, and there’s a good chance it’ll rise as the season unfolds. With so much talent, both individually and as a team, LSU Gymnastics is ready to take on the challenges ahead!