The Hillsdale, New Jersey-born All-American hit her stride in 2024 and isn’t done yet. She participated for the Tigers in nine meetings this year, competing on the bars and the floor, where she set season highs of 9.875 and 9.900 in the two events.
In the end, Dunne made her decision because she believes she can contribute more to the sport, both on and off the playing field.
“I discovered a fresh passion for the sport this past year. I felt incredibly strong and healthy from the start and ready to contribute because I had trained a lot in the off-season, Dunne remarked. “This year’s team chemistry was incredibly enjoyable, and everything worked really well together. Although our team’s victory in the national championships was fantastic, I believe I can still offer more as a competitor.
She accepted her job this year and helped out wherever her team needed her, having found a newfound love for the game. She and the Tigers were able to win the program’s first-ever national championship because to this mindset.
She received the first-ever “Coaches Award” from the program for having this similar mentality, which acknowledged her as the perfect team member and gymnast who was always prepared to compete.
She’s excited for more as she starts her last season. One of Dunne’s objectives for the next season, according to her, is to demonstrate to Tiger Nation her versatility by bringing back experienced routines and depth to the bars, beam, and floor lineups.
She is a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, an Academic All-American, and she most recently reached the President’s List in 2024. She also competes at the top level in collegiate athletics.
The rising fifth-year also wants to continue using her platform to make as much of an impact on the sport as she can outside of competition in her final year.
“After four years, I’ve changed so much as a person. I’ve gained knowledge on how to manage a lot of duties, follow my ambitions, and maintain composure in the face of challenging circumstances,” Dunne remarked.
Dunne takes great satisfaction in serving as a role model for the upcoming generation of female athletes and is among the top paid female collegiate athletes in the nation. She has mastered the art of juggling the obligations of being a student-athlete with her studies and NIL over her four years at LSU. She may now assist individuals who are on the same route as her.
“I want to be a part of constantly advocating for those opportunities because I’ve seen how important women’s sports are to the younger generation.”
But without the daily network of support behind her, none of it would be possible.
Without the encouragement I get from my friends, family, instructors, and supporters, I wouldn’t be able to go another year or even a day! The folks that support me daily are what keep me going on difficult days and inspired to work more.
Follow the LSU gymnastics team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @LSUgym to stay up to current on all things gymnastics.
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