Olivia Dunne opens up about witnessing Paul Skenes' journey from LSU to Pirates

LSU returns to the College World Series in 2025, last winning it with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who was picked first in the 2023 MLB draft. With LSU's return, a supporter is also returning, former LSU gymnast, Skenes' girlfriend Olivia Dunne.

On Saturday, the 2025 Sports Illustrated Cover model was in Omaha cheering for the program. Dunne has had a front-row experience of Skenes' journey from LSU to the Pirates.

During a conversation with Hurrdat Sports, Dunne feels grateful to be part of the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year's incredible journey.

“When I came in 2023, it was one of the best experiences ever,” Dunne told Hurrdat Sports. “So I had to come back, support the Tigers — and also Paul.

"Watching him go from college through the minors to the MLB has honestly been such a dream and so fun to watch," Dunne added. "It all happened so fast, so I’ve been telling all my teammates who are dating players here on the LSU team to savor every memory — because I don’t know if anything really tops Omaha. It's just so fun here."

Paul Skenes started his baseball journey with the Air Force Falcons after graduating from El Toro High School. With the Falcons, he won the John Olerud Award. In 2022, Skenes transferred to LSU, winning the Southeastern Conference and earning the national pitcher of the year honor.

Skenes led the LSU pitching staff in the 2023 Men's College World Series championship and won the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award.

Paul Skenes' girlfriend Olivia Dunne reveals her favorite memory in Omaha

During the same conversation, Dunne also reminisced on LSU’s 2023 title run, which included setting the now-iconic Jell-O shot record in Omaha.

“That and watching Paul strike out 12 people — that was pretty cool,” she said when asked about her favorite memory in Omaha.

Dunne also reflected on landing the cover of the SI Swimsuit Issue.

“I had no clue I was shooting for a cover,” she said. “When I got the call, I nearly fell out of my chair.”

Dunne's Tigers defeated Arkansas 4-1 to reach the World Series.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash