Despite No Hint on Olivia Dunne’s Return, Another LSU Gymnast Commits to 5th Year

As the dust settles after the 2024 NCAA gymnastics season, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting news about Olivia Dunne‘s future with the LSU Tigers. Speculation has been rampant since the COVID-19 pandemic extended her eligibility, and Dunne herself has teased fans with hints but remained tight-lipped about her decision. Her cryptic statement, “I did have a meeting with the coaches today actually, and we did come to a decision. So, stay tuned to find out.” only added to the intrigue.

Yet, days passed without any update, leaving fans guessing. However, a significant clue emerged in the form of a new NIL deal with Passes, leaving fans hopeful that Livvy might indeed continue for another year with the squad. Despite this uncertainty, two of Dunne’s close friends and teammates made their intentions clear about their fifth year.

Olivia Dunne remains silent about her LSU return as another Tiger comes back

In an exciting announcement on X, LSU Gymnastics revealed that “Everyone’s favorite Louisiana girl is here to stay.” Sierra Ballard, a close confidante of Olivia Dunne and an integral part of the 2024 NCAA Championship-winning squad, has confirmed her return for the 2025 season.

As a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and two-time SEC Community Service team member, Ballard’s commitment to LSU goes beyond the mat. Reflecting on her decision, Ballard shared, “There’s just something different about LSU. You can’t put it into words until you come here. If I have the opportunity to continue making history with my best friends, in the best place in this world, then I’m going to do that.”

In the 2024 season, Ballard delivered a career-high beam performance of a blazing 9.9500 points during the championship, leading the Tigers in the final rotation. Because of her outstanding performance in the NCAA Semifinals, Ballard was even named an NCAA All-American on the beam.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ballard remains focused and determined while staying true to herself. Not only a formidable gymnast but also a constant presence in Livvy’s TikTok videos and Instagram posts, Ballard’s decision to return only intensifies the hope that Olivia Dunne will continue alongside her. However, Ballard isn’t the only friend who has made a decision about her fifth year.

Livvy’s friends’ decisions amid the wait for hers

While Olivia Dunne has remained silent about her decision regarding a potential fifth year with LSU, her friends and teammates have been making their intentions clear. Haleigh Bryant, whose commitment to LSU since eighth grade has been unwavering, made an announcement that was eagerly awaited.

With an impressive 27 All-American titles under her belt, Haleigh Bryant announced that she would be returning in 2025 to add more accolades to her name. She made her commitment public on LSU Gymnastics’ platforms on April 30th, 2024, stating, “The answer to the question you have all been waiting for: I am back for year five.”

Similarly, Gabby Perea from Cal State University, another friend of Livvy, chose to retire. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared her journey from childhood dreams to collegiate achievements and becoming a Division I gymnast. Expressing gratitude despite her challenges, she wrote in a post, “Although I’m leaving with chronic back, knee, and elbow pain, I am leaving the sport fulfilled, proud, and grateful, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

Olivia Dunne expressed pride in Perea’s decision, commenting, “So proud of you Gabtab💓.” Amidst the uncertainty shrouding Dunne’s future, the definitive choices made by her friends and the promising NIL deal with Passes have left fans eagerly anticipating Livvy’s potential fifth year with the Tigers. Will she return to grace the mat once more? Share your thoughts below!