Few have changed the landscape of college athletics, as much as LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne has, capitalizing on the era of NIL and watching her fortune skyrocket.
But it wasn’t always easy.
Dunne has dazzled during her career as a gymnast at LSUGetty Images
Before building her estimated net worth of $6 million, before her almost $10 million in NIL earnings, before the collective 13.4 million Instagram and TikTok followers, Dunne had almost quit.
She had to sacrifice a lot during her younger years in order to achieve where she is today, a toll that almost caused Dunne to throw in the towel on everything.
“I wouldn’t be able to go on field trips or the prom,” Dunne told Flaunt in an exclusive interview.
“I had a hard time going to the gym most days.
“There are always times when you want to quit.
“I just feel like that’s part of being an athlete at a top level.”
Instead, Dunne stuck with it and the rest is history.
Capitalizing on her name, image and likeness, Dunne has been able to build an empire away from the mat and on social media, where she was eventually able to combine the two.
“I started social media because I loved to do it,” Dunne said.
“I would have had to sacrifice my gymnastics career to make money or quit social media [to continue gymnastics]. But I didn’t have to give up either one.”
Dunne has built her brand far beyond just being labeled as a gymnast (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic)Getty Images
Thanks to the NIL policy that the NCAA adopted in July 2021, Dunne has been able to grow and expand her brand like few have.
The LSU gymnast is reportedly the highest-paid female collegiate athlete.
And not only is Dunne raking in the dollars, but she has been able to expand her brand’s reach far and wide.
Dunne has graced Sports Illustrated on multiple occasions, made Forbes’ 2024 30 Under 30 list and has partnered with numerous brands such as Forever 21, American Eagle, Accelerator Active Energy and Motorola, among others.
If she had quit when she wanted to, Dunne would assuredly not be where she is now.
And where is that now?
One of the faces in all of college sport, a handsome fortune (that is only going to grow), inspiring millions, and dating Major League Baseball’s rookie sensation Paul Skenes.
“It all looks good to me. He struck everyone out, so I don’t really care.” 😂@livvydunne does play-by-play on @Paul_Skenes pitches 🎙️😅 pic.twitter.com/2ArXRI8UgD
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 21, 2024
The first overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates ran through the minor league all the way to the Majors, made the All-Star team and is all but guaranteed to take home NL Rookie of the Year, once the awards are announced.
In other words, Dunne and Skenes are the power couple.
None of this would have been possible if Dunne wanted to go on those fields trips or to the prom.
Instead, she stayed committed to her craft and is now reaping the benefits from all her hard work and sacrifices.