Will Olivia Dunne’s Fifth Year Return Help LSU Win Another NCAA Gymnastics Championship?

It’s not just the 2024 Olympic Games that have the fans’ undivided attention. As another season of NCAA gymnastics approaches, the country’s gymnastics followers are eager to know which star will make this year their own. While gymnastics celebrities from across the country have their loyal fan bases, one name stands out as iconic: Olivia Dunne. Livvy’s social media presence, coupled with her stellar performance last season, has made her a national sensation, and fans are never too shy to ponder her future.

Dunne has been a driving force in helping the LSU Tigers lift their first-ever NCAA title in program history. While her contribution to the Tigers’ success was undeniable, her return in the purple leotard for another year has been a topic of debate due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it looks like Olivia finally has an answer for her plans, and a new debate might be brewing on the horizon.

How will Olivia Dunne’s foes fare?

Just hours ago, Dunne took to Instagram to announce that she will be returning to her alma mater for an additional year to compete in the NCAA tournament. In the post captioned, “not Dunne yet,” Olivia made her intentions clear as she stated, “Here’s to Year Five, baby.” In May too, she noted how she was missing performing with her teammates, and fans were already bracing up for the good news from their favorite gymnast. Now that the question is answered, it’s time to look at the Tigers’ chances of defending their NCAA trophy.

The national women’s gymnastics scene is filled with talented programs. According to a ranking list by Gymnastics Now, released in March 2024, Oklahoma topped the charts with 198.500 points at the end of the regular season. While the LSU squad managed to pull off an unexpected victory over its opponents at the Championships, it doesn’t take away from the fact that they will be facing grueling competition from the likes of Oklahoma, Florida, and Utah.

The debate becomes even more pertinent about how much Dunne’s return will even matter considering how she was benched in the finals of the 2024 NCAA Championships finals. However, even if she does stand on the sidelines in some of the matches in her final year with the Tigers, fans can take a breather knowing the fact that all responsibilities won’t be falling on Livvy’s shoulders alone.

She won’t be alone on her quest to defend the crown

In May, Haleigh Bryant, one of Dunne’s most electrifying teammates, also announced her intention to return to LSU for her fifth year with the reigning national champs. Last season, Bryant made ripples across the gymnastics community by attaining the elusive “gym slam” and sealing her reputation as one of the most promising athletes in the country. Thanks to her consistently stellar performances on a weekly basis, Bryant was also crowned the top female athlete in Louisiana. Moreover, with other stars such as Chase Brock, Amari Drayton, Aleah Finnegan, and Kiya Johnson, the Tigers can rest easy knowing they won’t feel too meek in front of their competitors.

While many of these gymnasts recorded career-high scores in 2024, their brilliance has been amplified under the steady leadership of head coach Jay Clark. In a press conference earlier this year, Clark highlighted the importance of the Tigers sticking together and prioritizing their teammates’ mental health over solely focusing on winning trophies. Perhaps this compassionate approach has been the secret ingredient to the Tigers’ success.

Whatever it may be, fans will have to wait to see what Olivia has in store for her final year in Baton Rouge. Now that LSU has its first national title, will they be able to defend it too? What are your predictions for the 2024-25 NCAA season? Share with us!