Olivia Dunne, a member of LSU’s gymnastics team and a TikTok star, played a significant role in the team’s first NCAA title win in program history. Although she did not compete in the final competition, Dunne was named the SEC Gymnast of the Week during the season. LSU’s victory was secured by strong performances from gymnasts like Konnor McClain, who scored a 9.9625 on the beam, and five others who scored at least 9.95 in the final rotation. After the win, Dunne celebrated on her Instagram story, calling it the “best day ever.”
LSU’s win came after finishing in fourth place the previous year. Sierra Ballard started off the final rotation by achieving a career-high score of 9.950 on her routine, with teammates Kiya Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, and Aleah Finnegan matching the score to set a program record on the beam with a score of 49.7625. This impressive performance allowed LSU to clinch the national championship title with a total score of 198.2250. The team trailed Utah by a narrow margin and led Cal by a small gap heading into the final rotation, but their stellar beam routines secured their victory.
In addition to the team’s success, individual gymnasts like Haleigh Bryant stood out, winning the individual all-around title with a score of 39.7125. Bryant and Cal’s eMjae Frazier both tied for the best individual score in the team finals on Saturday. Dunne’s boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Paul Skenes, also celebrated success with LSU, winning the College World Series with the team last summer. The victory at the NCAA Championships added to the impressive accomplishments of both the LSU gymnastics team and its individual competitors.
The LSU gymnastics team’s win in the NCAA Championships was a culmination of a successful season, with key performances from athletes like Bryant and McClain helping secure the national title. The team’s strong showing on the beam, setting a program record, was a highlight of the competition. Dunne, although not competing in the final rotation, played a vital role in the team’s success and was recognized for her contributions during the season. The victory marked a historic moment for LSU’s gymnastics program, with the team earning their first-ever NCAA title.
LSU’s journey to the national championship title included overcoming a deficit after three rotations, with the team narrowly trailing Utah and leading Cal. Strong performances from individual gymnasts, including Bryant and McClain, helped secure the win in the final rotation. Dunne’s celebration on social media following the victory highlighted the team’s excitement and achievement. The win at the NCAA Championships was a significant milestone for LSU’s gymnastics program and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and coaches.
Overall, LSU’s gymnastics team’s victory in the NCAA Championships, with Dunne as a key member, represented a culmination of a successful season and a historic moment for the program. The team’s strong performance on the beam, led by gymnasts like McClain, was crucial in securing the national title. Individual accomplishments, such as Bryant’s all-around win, added to the team’s success. The celebration of the victory on social media and Dunne’s personal connections to other successful athletes like Skenes in baseball highlighted the broader impact of LSU’s achievements in collegiate sports.
