Olivia Dunne became one of the biggest celebrities in college sports because of her social media presence.
She knows how to draw attention with her poses.
And LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne sent the internet into a frenzy with one viral picture of her celebrating.
LSU women’s gymnastics team wins the national title
Louisiana State University (LSU) women’s gymnastics team, which features viral internet sensation Olivia Dunne, won their first NCAA national championship in Fort Worth, Texas.
The team came from behind to narrowly edge out the University of California for the title.
Dunne was overcome with emotion after her squad’s historic victory in the championship.
While she didn’t compete in Fort Worth, she was there in uniform cheering on her teammates.
She posted a picture on social media of her holding a national title trophy with the caption “oh yea” and a fire emoji.
oh yea 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jfnBMfEvoR
— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) April 21, 2024
Dunne battled injuries over the course of last season and didn’t make LSU’s rotation for the championship on a loaded team.
LSU coach Jay Clark previously praised her contributions to his squad this year.
“When she’s gone in, she’s delivered,” Clark said in March. “She’s dependable, and her role has been as a utilitarian a little bit in terms of going in when we need her to. How many great basketball teams have a great sixth man? She’s done an excellent job of handling it and embracing that role.”
What’s next for Olivia Dunne’s career?
Dunne capitalized on the 2021 NCAA rule change that allowed players to earn endorsement money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
NIL catapulted her into becoming one of the most famous athletes in college sports during her time at LSU.
She garnered a massive following on social media, which included more than five million followers on Instagram and eight million followers on TikTok.
That led to an estimated $4 million in NIL deals along with her earning a spot in the 2023 edition of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Olivia Dunne for SI Swimsuit pic.twitter.com/kb6hcgi9xI
— IV Times Celebs (@ivtimescelebs) January 26, 2024
Her four years at LSU are up, but she has the option to return to school for a fifth season because of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility granted for the 2020 pandemic season.
Dunne told NBC’s Today that she was savoring her team’s national championship before making any decision on her future.
“It definitely makes me want to come back, but I haven’t quite thought about it completely,” Dunne said. “I’ve just been focused on the now and winning this national title. I’ll definitely start thinking about it.”
She said that she lost her voice cheering her teammates on to victory.
“You know what, it is still feeling just unreal, I’m still trying to get my voice back from cheering so loud,” Dunne added. “It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ll probably be thinking about it for the rest of my life.”
No matter what Olivia Dunne chooses to do, she’s established herself as a social media sensation and built a career because of NIL.
