“I mean every year has just gotten better,” said a 21-year-old charismatic gymnastic athlete before entering the 2024 NCAA Championship. Results? Tigers came out with mind-boggling 198.2250 scores and made history on the mat. With this unprecedented feat for LSU last month, Dunne is nearing the end of her collegiate gymnastics career keeping her popularity and influence soaring. As one of college sports’ biggest beneficiaries in the (NIL) era, Dunne stands to keep cashing in if she remains at LSU. Her current NIL net worth is estimated at $3.7 million and has a total of 13 million followers across all social media platforms. 

However, the gymnast is on the brim of ending her collegiate extension period. The LSU athletes were granted an option to extend their time on the team due to the coronavirus pandemic. This means she could delay her departure from the balance beam until April 2025. Dunne teased her upcoming announcement on social media this Tuesday, keeping fans on their toes with little more than a promise of big news. While Dunne is a part of the national champions LSU team, she did not compete in the final, sparking curiosity about her plans.

A Possible Fifth Year at LSU?

In March Dunne mentioned “I haven’t decided. I could come back.” on her 5th-year edition. Continuing, she added, “I could come back for a fifth year. But I’m just focused on this year.” This came after she impressed with a score of 9.90 on the floor routine at the Purple and Gold Classic on March 8.

But Yesterday on May 13th America’s crush took to her Snapchat account and added a new story of her mirror selfie with the location tag “LSU”, and accompanying caption, “back in da boot” leaving netizens wondering what Dunne is going to set new for her supporters. Well, there are some possible reasons for Dunne to stay in LSU and to explore life outside.

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Stay? Or leave? What will be Olivia Dunne’s decision? 

Remaining at LSU would not only be financially beneficial but also personally meaningful for the 21-year-old. Baton Rouge holds special memories for Dunne, including meeting her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, who was a star on the school’s baseball team. Being in LSU for another year would allow Dunne to support Skenes during his MLB journey, as their seasons align closely. This, while also building on her NIL profile, that continues to give.

On the other hand, Dunne’s reach extends far beyond the gymnastics mat. With a huge social media presence, she has already mastered the balance between athletics, academics, and social media. Free from the NCAA’s restrictions, Dunne could explore even greater opportunities.

Although there isn’t a professional gymnastics league, Dunne’s marketability is undeniable. She could follow in the footsteps of athletes like Caitlin Clark, who secured a $28 million partnership with Nike. Dunne’s brand potential is immense, stepping away from college sports. Her fans, thus, eagerly await her next move. Will she choose to stay at LSU, enjoying another year of college life and the benefits of NIL opportunities? Or will she venture into new territories, leveraging her fame and influence to build an even larger empire?