As LSU gymnastics prepares to defend its NCAA title, senior star Olivia Dunne has issued a rallying call to her teammates.
Dunne's messages comes after news that Haleigh Bryant, one of the program's most decorated athletes, will miss at least the season opener due to an elbow injury.
Livvy Dunne vaults into LSU leadership role
With the team facing an early test of resilience, Dunne has stepped up to inspire confidence and determination.
"This past year I found a renewed love of the sport,"Dunne shared earlier this season, emphasizing her readiness to take on a leadership role in her final NCAA campaign.
The 22-year-old gymnast has been laser-focused on maintaining LSU's momentum, setting her sights on both team and individual success.
Dunne's dedication has been on full display leading up to the 2025 season, with training clips and motivational posts captivating her 5.4 million social media followers.
Her recent New Year's Day post-featuring her in LSU's signature purple and gold leotards-carried a bold message: "New year same goal."
The caption made it clear that her focus remains unwavering: another NCAA championship for the Tigers.
The road to defending their title won't be easy, especially with Bryant sidelined.
A key figure in LSU's 2024 championship run, Bryant boasts 27 All-America honors and 18 perfect 10s, making her absence a significant blow.
However, Dunne is determined to rally the team around a shared goal.
"We're a team, and it's about stepping up when it matters most,"Dunne stated, emphasizing the importance of collective effort.
With LSU's first competition against Iowa State just days away, she has encouraged her teammates to embrace the challenge and channel their energy into the mat.
For Dunne, this season represents more than just another championship run, it's a culmination of her LSU journey.
As one of the most followed and highest-paid college athletes, she has consistently used her platform to spotlight the sport and inspire her team.