Olivia Dunne and the LSU women’s gymnastics team celebrated their first NCAA title win by working at Raising Cane’s drive-thru, following in the footsteps of other sports champions who have done the same. Dunne, along with her boyfriend and LSU national champion Paul Skenes, helped serve customers after their victory on Tuesday. The team’s victory came after a close competition, with LSU finishing first with a total score of 198.2250, just ahead of Cal and Utah. Despite not competing on the final day, Dunne was thrilled with the team’s win, calling it the “best day ever.”
LSU’s victory at the NCAA championships was a significant achievement for the program, especially considering they finished fourth the previous year. The team’s success was due in part to standout performances from senior Sierra Ballard and gymnasts like Kiya Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, and Aleah Finnegan, who all contributed to the team’s record-breaking score on the beam. Bryant, who had previously won the individual all-around title, continued her success by tying for the best individual score in the team finals alongside Cal’s eMjae Frazier. The competition was closely contested, but LSU’s strong performance in the final rotation secured their national championship.
The tradition of celebrating victories at Raising Cane’s has become popular among athletes, with Super Bowl champions, Slam Dunk Contest winners, and NCAA basketball champions all taking turns working the drive-thru after their wins. Dunne expressed her excitement at fulfilling a dream of working at Cane’s after a championship victory, highlighting the special significance of the experience. Working alongside her teammates and getting the chance to interact with fans made the celebration even more memorable for Dunne, who was proud to be part of the LSU gymnastics team’s historic win.
Winning the NCAA title was a culmination of hard work and dedication for the LSU gymnastics team, who overcame a challenging competition to come out on top. The team’s victory was a testament to their skill and teamwork, as well as the leadership of their coaches and support staff. Dunne’s pride in representing LSU and contributing to the team’s success was evident in her comments after the win, reflecting the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with achieving a lifelong goal. The team’s win was a source of joy for fans and supporters, who celebrated alongside them in their well-deserved victory.
As athletes continue to find unique ways to celebrate their victories, the tradition of working at Raising Cane’s drive-thru has become a symbol of success and camaraderie. The sense of fulfillment and joy that comes with sharing in the excitement of a championship win is evident in the experiences of athletes like Olivia Dunne, who relished the opportunity to give back to fans and celebrate with her teammates. The LSU women’s gymnastics team’s NCAA title win will be remembered as a special moment in the program’s history, highlighting the dedication and talent of the athletes who achieved their goal of becoming national champions. The celebration at Raising Cane’s served as a fitting conclusion to their journey, marking the beginning of a new chapter of success and achievement for the team.
