Gymnastics is very much a game of chance and uncertainties and one small domino effect could change someone’s course of life. The NCAA realm is experiencing those shifts of late. In April 2024, the LSU Tigers gymnastics team secured its first-ever national title with an awe-inspiring performance. Following this triumph, Senior college athlete Haleigh Bryant, a key member of the team, announced her return for another season, igniting curiosity about Olivia Dunne‘s next move. Now, all eyes are on Dunne as fans eagerly await news of her potential return. While Dunne’s future remains uncertain but there is a silver lining for LSU.

Following the NCAA’s extension of eligibility amid COVID-19, Olivia Dunne is considering another season with the LSU gymnastics team. “It definitely makes me want to come back, but I haven’t quite thought about it completely,” she shared. While Dunne’s plans are still up in the air, her LSU teammate Alyona Shchennikova, who exited the NCAA season earlier this year, hinted at the possibility of returning for another year.

Alyona’s cryptic Instagram post sparks speculation

Recently, a Reddit user shared a screenshot on the platform featuring Alyona Shchennikova’s Instagram story, which contained a cryptic post. In the post, Alyona tagged LSU while holding a paper with the words “dear gymnastics.” This sparked speculation, with the Reddit user captioning the post, “Looks like Alyona is coming back for a 6th year.” This potential return brings joy to LSU, especially considering Alyona’s challenging journey.

Earlier this year, Alyona suffered a likely season-ending Achilles tendon injury during practice for LSU’s season-opening meet against Ohio State. Despite this setback, Alyona remained resilient, stating, “I truly believe everything happens for a reason,“ as she cheered on her team from the sidelines. Notably, Alyona, originally from Evergreen, Colorado, had also endured a right Achilles tendon injury before joining LSU. With her impressive achievements and the return of other key athletes to LSU, the team’s chances for the next NCAA championship receive a significant lift.

Can Olivia Dunne’s comeback increase LSU’s chances of winning the next NCAA Championship as well?

Alyona’s impressive accomplishments, such as being named to the 2023 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll and the 2022 SEC Academic Honor Roll along with her recognition as a 2021 WCGA Academic All-American, highlight her exceptional commitment both on and off the mat. Additionally, her remarkable successes stand out more with Haleigh Bryant’s return to LSU. Bryant, at 22 years old is, among LSUs successful gymnasts boasting a program record of 18 perfect scores of 10.0.

Moreover, Bryant’s remarkable all-around score of 39.925 remains unmatched in LSU’s history. Her recent triumph at the SEC all-around title during the conference championships, coupled with her prestigious recognition as the SEC Gymnast of the Year, further cements her status as a powerhouse athlete. Should Olivia Dunne, a former USA national team member and social media sensation, choose to join LSU again for the fifth year, the team’s potential for securing a second NCAA championship would undoubtedly receive a substantial boost.