Along with all the celebrations, obligations come—a reality that both Olivia Dunne and Jay Clark are well aware of. Since 2021, when NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals were introduced, they have navigated the challenges and opportunities this new landscape presents. Initially, it seemed like an exciting time as brands eagerly lined up to offer deals to college athletes. For the first time, these athletes had a way to earn income during their college years. However, as with any rise to fame, there were inevitable challenges lurking beneath the surface. The fame brought its own set of complications, highlighting the pressures that come with these high-profile deals.

The distraction was just the beginning. With her significant social media presence, Olivia Dunne inevitably faced backlash, and it eventually caught up with her. She became the target of negative comments from gymnastics fans online. LSU Tigers gymnastics coach Jay Clark had anticipated this, knowing that the visibility and attention brought by NIL deals would also come with its challenges.

Rather, because of his adaptable demeanor, the coach was well aware of Dunne’s social media presence. And from there, he accumulated the heat his protégé was facing at that moment. It did not seem right to him. In The Money Game docuseries, Clark went on length, describing the entire situation. However, in Episode 3, You Can’t See Me, he could be heard terming the entire fiasco as “Perfect storm.” However, only keeping tabs on social media would not help to come up with perfect suggestions to deal with the issue. Then what was Clark’s detector? 

In the same episode, the veteran gymnastics coach threw his weight behind one of his acquired qualities. Without pausing, Clark said, “I guess it’s because I’m a dad, you know? My instincts, my antennas went up.” That is filled with cent percent of reality, as since the emergence of NIL, his brain has also worked as the dutiful guardian. 

Playing his role, Jay Clark could advise Olivia Dunne what she should not do standing in the ripe moment of her career. As part of that, the Roswell native instructed Livvy to get rid of the distractions and eventually, she did. The result is that Dunne has entered her fifth year with the LSU Tigers, while her NIL ledger book is feeling no less dimes. Ultimately, Clark described the maxim of playing down his role smoothly. 

Olivia Dunne’s coach backs the brain compared to the heart 

With overwhelming popularity, Olivia Dunne has been at risk of facing a few discolored ones. One such came when she received a text message, threatening her security in the institute. It was during the active season. However, coach Jay Clark couldn’t take the risk and requested authority to take security measures. Another came into being when an unidentified individual entered the team facility, arguing over watching Olivia Dunne. This time as well, Clark did not waste time in calling the cops. Both times, the promptness of the action saved the day. So the question arises of how. Clark had the answer, though. 

In the same docuseries, The Money Game, the former Georgia Gymnastics attendee said, “It’s just about taking our steps forward. Get rid of the brain. Let the body do what it knows how to do.” The vastness of these lines is that they also apply to Olivia Dunne and others. Now that the camp is stepping toward a fresh season, let’s hope to watch a few more examples of such feats.