When Paul Skenes couldn’t be by Livvy Dunne’s side after her season-ending injury, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher still found a way to show he cared.
Dunne, 22, sustained an avulsion fracture in her kneecap on March 6, which prevented her from competing in her final meet with the LSU Tigers after five years on the team. “I was really disappointed,” she told PEOPLE during a Raising Cane’s photo shoot celebrating her graduation.
At the time, Skenes was beginning spring training with the Pirates, but he made sure Dunne felt supported. “He sent me Starbucks, flowers, and Raising Cane’s through DoorDash,” she said.
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Curious about her go-to Cane’s order? “A 3 Finger Combo with extra Cane’s sauce and an unsweetened tea,” she revealed.
Dunne also leaned on the support of her parents, Katherine and David, who visited her at LSU following the injury. “I’m so thankful for them and how they’ve always been there throughout my gymnastics journey—not just when I got hurt,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dunne is exploring her next chapter. “I definitely want to stay involved in sports or at least in advocating for women’s sports because it’s something I care a lot about,” she explained.
As for her plans this MLB season, she’s ready to follow Skenes on the road, especially to sunny destinations. “I’m looking forward to being part of his world during baseball season,” she said. “When I was in season, he came to my meets. We really enjoy supporting each other.”
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To mark the end of her college gymnastics career, Dunne recently stopped by Raising Cane’s in Baton Rouge. “This shoot is a fun way to kick off my summer break,” she said. “But I’m also really looking forward to some downtime.”
After juggling athletics, academics, and a thriving social media presence, Dunne is now focusing on what lies ahead. “I’m trying to make time for things I used to turn down,” she said. “I’m excited to relax, travel, and spend time with Paul. There’s so much to look forward to.”
