Always Worried for Olivia Dunne, Boyfriend Paul Skenes Major Role in Her Gymnastics Journey Confessed: “Really Admire That”

In June 2023, Olivia Dunne—NCAA’s golden girl and the undisputed NIL queen—sent her fans into a frenzy. Why? Turns out, there was someone special in her life. The internet sleuths went into overdrive after Livvy slyly flaunted a Pittsburgh Pirates cap on her Instagram story. A few cheeky teases later, boom—the iconic bathroom mirror selfie dropped. Sporting a gray crop top, pale blue ripped jeans, and that unmistakable white cap with a bold yellow “P,” she had everyone connecting the dots. The real MVP of this love story? MLB prospect Paul Skenes.
Over a year later, these LSU lovebirds are being hailed as one of MLB’s most athletic power couples. While Livvy has been rocking it for LSU gymnastics since 2020, she’s also been spotted on the sidelines at MLB games cheering on her “Bucco” as he went from his debut in May to snagging the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year award. And while we haven’t spotted Skenes in the stands for LSU meets, you can bet he’s been a major player in her journey.
Paul Skenes’ MLB heroics fuel Olivia Dunne’s gymnastics magic
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Earlier this year, Olivia Dunne and the LSU Lady Tigers made history, snagging their first-ever NCAA women’s gymnastics championship with a jaw-dropping performance in front of over 7,600 fans in Fort Worth, Texas. And while Paul Skenes couldn’t be there to cheer Livvy on in person, he’s definitely been her behind-the-scenes MVP. Livvy has shared how her Pittsburgh Pirates ace boyfriend has influenced her gymnastics journey—and it’s clear these two are each other’s biggest fans.
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Fast forward to Monday, and it was Livvy’s turn to beam with pride when Paul was crowned the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year. In an adorable interview shared by MLB, Olivia stole the show in a bright red spaghetti-strap dress with cream pastel patterns. When asked about her favorite moment from Paul’s rookie season, she didn’t hesitate: “He pitched the first time at Wrigley Field.” But Livvy wasn’t done gushing just yet.
“Watching Paul’s rookie season was like, honestly, watching a unicorn. It was like a fairy tale. The thing that impressed me most was how quickly he went through the minor leagues and went to the big leagues and dominated. It was so admirable,” Livvy said with all the love in the world. “I definitely think the thing that makes Paul elite is his mindset, and I try to take that into my gymnastics and I try to get advice from him, and I just think he’s so disciplined and I really admire that. I love him so much and I’m so proud of him.”
Livvy’s not just the highest-earning NCAA female athlete; thanks to her social media fame as an LSU gymnast, her senior season in 2024 was nothing short of stellar. Competing in nine meets, she crushed it on bars and floor, notching a career-high 9.900 on floor at both the Podium Challenge and the NCAA Fayetteville Regional. Her consistency? Unmatched. She averaged 9.857 on floor and 9.838 on bars for the year, earning the team’s Coaches Award for always being ready to step up. Oh, and let’s not forget—she made the SEC Academic Honor Roll too.
Reflecting on Livvy’s heartfelt words, it’s clear these two haven’t just grown together as a couple—they’ve glowed together, excelling as athletes in their respective fields. While Livvy continues to dominate the gymnastics mat, Paul’s rise in the MLB has been nothing short of legendary. So, what does Paul have to say about Livvy’s gymnastics career?
Respect and concern go both ways for these LSU lovebirds
In June 2024, Olivia Dunne told B/R Walk Off she gets more nervous watching Paul Skenes pitch than competing herself. “Oh my goodness,I would say I get more nervous watching Paul because its just different when you’re not doing it and you’re not in control. But I am confident in his abilities and I kind of channel those nerves into excitement for him.”
Months later, when asked the same question, Paul proved he’s just as sweet, admitting he feels the same about her gymnastics competitions. The 2024 NL ROTY didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, and it’s such a different sport but I’m literally…you know…first and foremost, I want her to do well. But also I want to make sure that she is healthy and enjoying it.” He went on to admit, “And also, as athletes, we want to be in control of the situation. And when she goes out there, I’m completely out of control. So it’s totally different, something that I am still getting used to.”
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Paul’s concern isn’t just for show, either. When Olivia and the LSU Lady Tigers snagged their historic NCAA gymnastics championship, Skenes was one of the first people she called. “I just wanted to fill him in on what just happened because I know he just won a national championship at LSU,” she told People. “He understands all the feelings so I just wanted to call him and just tell him what it was like.”
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But the admiration goes both ways. Earlier this year, Paul admitted Livvy has been his rock when it comes to managing the spotlight. “It’s been great. She’s helped me in a lot of ways in terms of managing all the hype,” he said. “How to manage everything that goes around being a pro athlete, she’s kinda lived it.”
From their red-carpet debut at the MLB All-Star Game to guest-picking on ESPN’s College GameDay, to sharing fur baby duties with Roux, Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes are LSU’s ultimate power couple. Individually, they’re unstoppable. Together? They soar.