As LSU’s sensation Olivia Dunne embarks on her final year of collegiate gymnastics, she’s already setting her sights on what’s next. And as it appears, she is waiting to jump into a future intertwined with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, her beloved partner, Paul Skenes. Livvy Dunne has always been a name that has reigned supreme not only in the NCAA gymnastics realm but also in the social media world. However, now the star has openly embraced her evolving role as a WAG (wives and girlfriends of athletes).

Recently, in a conversation with Glamour, the glamourous NCAA athlete reflected on her long-distance relationship with Skenes. Dunne stated, “I’m excited for what’s to come.” Well, the duo’s chemistry has garnered growing support from the fans. Since Skenes joined the MLB after the 2023 Draft, Dunne’s social media following has expanded, with fans eager for glimpses of their relationship. And she is balancing gymnastics and her digital empire with ease. 

LSU gymnasts gear up to embrace new chapters in life 

Olivia Dunne has seamlessly blended her behind-the-scenes gymnastics content with nods to Skenes, making their story a fan favorite. With her collegiate career winding down, Dunne is ready to devote more time to her personal life. She herself said, “I love supporting Paul and traveling with him. I’d love to continue being a WAG.” While Dunne prepares for life beyond the mat, her teammate and reigning NCAA all-around champion Haleigh Bryant is focused on making the most of her fifth and final year at LSU.

Bryant has decorated her career with numerous accolades, including 27 All-America honors, 18 perfect 10s, and a coveted “gym slam,” cementing her legacy as one of LSU’s greatest gymnasts. Adding more feathers to her hat, she capped off her 2024 season by leading her team to a national championship and clinching the prestigious Honda Sport Award. And now she is aiming to secure the national title yet again.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Bryant has her sights set on helping LSU defend their national title. However, she’s keeping her focus on the journey rather than the outcome. “Instead of thinking too much about the big picture, it’s about making sure we’re doing everything we can outside the gym to set us up for success inside,” she shared with Forbes. Bryant attributes her success to her consistency, both in and out of the gym. 

The 22-year-old gymnast explained, “No matter what happens, I have the same process going into each routine.” This mindset, as Haleigh believes, is the key to her achievements. Further sharing valuable advice with younger gymnasts, she added, “Don’t let bad days derail the good ones. Each step will lead you where you want to go.” However, after reigning supreme the previous season, one factor still pulled her back to the mat.

What’s pulling Haleigh Bryant back to take one more leap?

The thrill of victory, the glory of a championship, and the fulfillment of lifelong dreams—Haleigh Bryant truly had it all as an LSU gymnast. After an unforgettable 2024 season where she claimed the NCAA all-around title and led LSU to its first-ever national championship, most would consider her story complete. But for Bryant, the pinnacle wasn’t the end. There was a reason to stay back. As the undisputed #1 gymnast in the nation, her return for a fifth and final season isn’t about chasing accolades but something far more profound.

“I’ve done everything I could have dreamed of and more,” Bryant reflects, making it clear her decision wasn’t rooted in ambition but passion. It was the love of gymnastics, the bond with her teammates, and the deep connection to LSU that pulled her back. For Bryant, it wasn’t about adding trophies to an already overflowing shelf. Rather, it was more about cherishing one last year of doing what she loves, surrounded by the people who’ve made it all so special for the young gymnast.

As Dunne transitions into life beyond gymnastics and Bryant gears up for her swan song, the two LSU stars embody different stages of ambition and evolution. Now, fans would just wait to witness how the upcoming season turns out to be for LSU while also keeping an eye on the next steps of the young gymnasts.