Olivia Dunne was becoming a social media star before she became a college athlete.
He signed his letter of intent with LSU in November 2019 and was awarded a full scholarship.
That was a gift in itself, but about a year and a half later, college athletes were finally able to cash in on his name, image, and likeness.
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LSU’s Olivia Dunne looks on after a PAC-12 matchup against Utah at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 6, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
«That was the moment my life changed,» Dunne, 20, told PEOPLE.
Dunne knew that her charm and buzz on social media could bring in big bucks: Today, she’s the highest-paid female athlete in the NCAA, at «seven figures.»
And while her bank account continues to grow by the day, she’s showing off her stardom for much more than herself.
«There wasn’t a road map of how to do school, athletics and social media at the same time. Really no one has ever done it. And I thought I could change that. I could pave the way and be a good example for young girls who they look up to me.»
LSU’s Olivia Dunne poses for photos before a game against Auburn at Neville Arena on February 10, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Milne Stew/Getty Images)
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Most college students can’t imagine making that kind of money, but Dunne, a gymnast, is cashing in while she can.
«With gymnastics, you peak when you’re about 15 years old,» Dunne said. «After college, there’s really nothing for gymnasts.» There are so many professional leagues for men’s sports after college, but there’s such a small window of time for women to capitalize.»
Dunne might be the most famous collegiate athlete in the country, but she’s an outlier and wants to see more women get the NIL money she thinks they deserve.
LSU’s Olivia Dunne takes a selfie with fans after a PAC-12 game against Utah at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 6, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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«Opportunities for men and women in NCAA sports should be equal. But a lot of the NIL collectives only go to men’s track and field,» she says. «I want to show that you can do what you love, whether it’s gymnastics, music or painting, and capitalize on it and create your own business.»
Dunne has more than 7 million followers on TikTok, as well as more than 3 million on Instagram.