Olivia Dunne has an important life decision ahead of her. The LSU gymnast has nearly exhausted her college eligibility as her star power only grows.
As arguably the biggest beneficiary of college sports during the name, image and likeness era, Dunne will continue to make money if he stays at LSU.
The 21-year-old social media sensation could also expand his reach even though he is no longer under NCAA guidelines.
Dunne does not have to hang up her Tigers leotard due to being given an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, delaying a possible end to her time on the balance beam until April 2025.
What’s next for Dunne? She has many options and many external factors influence the direction of her journey.
Dunne celebrates with the national championship trophy after LSU’s victory on Saturday.
Dunne said he has already chosen the outfit for when Skenes plays for the Pirates.
Continue at LSU
Dunne’s current choice to be an LSU gymnast is paying off for her, so why not continue being a student-athlete for one more year with an NIL net worth of $3.7 million, per year? On3 Sports.
That number is likely to increase after LSU’s national championship along with its growing social media following.
There is some credibility in leaving the sport at the top, as your chances of competing as a professional gymnast will be limited, if not non-existent.
Even if Dunne is willing to go out on her own, taking another 12 months to be protected by the NCAA banner and using that time to take advantage of more opportunities when she leaves Baton Rouge could be incredibly valuable.
With Dunne’s experience, he could also spend more time in the Tigers’ starting lineup in a fifth season at LSU.
Being at LSU could be sentimental for Dunne, who met her boyfriend Paul Skenes in Baton Rouge when he was a star on the school’s baseball team.
‘I have no idea (when his MLB debut will be). I hope soon! I’m starting to prepare all my merchandising. “I picked out my clothes,” he told TMZ.
Skenes currently pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A team in Indianapolis and is the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball. His time in minor league baseball will end soon.
Dunne can stay at LSU and not miss most of Skenes’ games, since Major League Baseball’s Opening Day typically falls in late March or early April.
Dunne has been active on social media during her career at LSU and has posted many photos.
Dunne’s influence has far transcended gymnastics with his own billboard in Times Square
Become a full-time influencer
Dunne has found a way to amass more than 13 million followers on Instagram and TikTok alone while balancing classes and athletics at LSU. What could she do without those restraints?
Dunne’s possibilities after LSU are endless, and his brand deals open up to bigger partnerships.
Although there is no professional gymnastics league, Dunne’s star power is undeniable. She could see a gain similar to Caitlin Clark.
Clark had an NIL with Nike while at Iowa, and recently signed a $28 million partnership with the company.
Expect Dunne to have a similar market value, as his line comes from a college sport with no revenue across the board.
Going out completely alone leaves Dunne free to do whatever she wants, and that professional freedom may be priceless.
Dunne could travel the country with Skenes or launch dozens more brand deals with companies that didn’t want to participate in NIL.
Dunne’s time in the limelight has been without him being a consistent starter for the Tigers
Dunne has trained in all four disciplines of women’s gymnastics throughout her career.
Enter sports reports
Here’s a dark horse possibility and one that makes a lot of sense for Dunne’s natural chances.
Having Dunne begin her television career as a sideline reporter at the US Olympic Trials, where US Gymnastics coached by Simone Biles will likely be selected, would be a natural fit for her.
Joining NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics or serving as a commentator for future NCAA competitions would draw interest beyond the current college gymnastics fan base.
Dunne is a communications studies major and may have learned a thing or two about television production and on-air reporting during her time in the classroom.
Dunne is the furthest thing from camera shy, and she’s made her way to stay in gymnastics, while achieving all of her social media goals, a worthwhile endeavor.
That foray could lead her to participate in other sports, like being in the booth at one of Skenes’ games.
