Shaquille O’Neal Gives Olivia Dunne and LSU Tigers the Ultimate Motivation Before NCAA Gymnastics Semi-Finals

Today is a crucial day for Olivia Dunne and LSU as the team is just one step away from the NCAA finals—it’s semi-final day. The motto “Legacy never dies” rings especially true today, reflecting the proud history and spirit of LSU’s sports teams. LSU has produced many outstanding athletes, one of the most famous being Shaquille O’Neal. He attended LSU from 1989 to 1992, setting numerous records and earning the National Player of the Year title in 1992.

After his college career, Shaq went on to great success in the NBA, even winning the MVP award in 2000. With today being such a critical moment for the team, Shaq has come forward to offer his encouragement, boosting Olivia Dunne‘s and the team’s morale with his presence and support.

Recently, LSU showcased an inspiring reel on X, featuring the voice of Shaquille O’Neal. In the video, Shaq narrates the journey of the LSU gymnastics team, intertwined with highlights from both the current team’s achievements and his own legendary basketball career at LSU. His deep, resonant voice adds a powerful layer to the visuals, evoking a sense of pride and continuity between past and present glories.

In the background, Shaq’s words serve as a motivational speech, “There’s something about being the target that just means more. Victory runs through our veins, whether it’s on the court or in the field. With these three letters—LSU—you’ve got something no one else has: passion. Think about those who have come before you, the giants whose shoulders you stand on. You are joining a legacy that never dies.”

He continues, “Go out there and just be you. Put the pedal to the metal; today is the last stop before the final destination.” This message not only boosts the morale of the gymnasts but also resonates with all who hear it, reminding them of the unique spirit and enduring legacy of LSU sports. But wait, meeting Shaq is as rare as encountering a celebrity, but what if Livvy’s dream of meeting Shaq became a reality?

Olivia Dunne’s ultimate fan moment at Fred’s Bar!

Last year, a remarkable event unfolded on the LSU campus. Olivia Dunne found herself in an unexpected but thrilling situation alongside her boyfriend, baseball sensation Paul Skenes, as NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal joined them at Fred’s college bar. Their impromptu gathering quickly became the talk of the town, sparking widespread attention.

For Dunne, meeting Shaq was a dream realized, echoing her previous expressions of admiration for the basketball icon on a podcast months earlier before meet. As she said in the podcast,  “I’ve seen him at football games and stuff. I wanna meet him bad. He’s a legend, he’s amazing.” While the LSU Tigers baseball team was being celebrated during a game against Florida, it was this spontaneous meetup at Fred’s bar that captured everyone’s attention.