Olivia Dunne and her coach, Jay Clark at 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Gymnastics Championships - Source: Getty

"Scared and timid"- Olivia Dunne's coach Jay Clark gives honest opinion on LSU's 101 performance leading up to the NCAA season

Modified Dec 18, 2024 12:42 GMT

Olivia Dunne's gymnastics coach, Jay Clark, delivered a candid evaluation of LSU's 101 pre-season performance, highlighting both potential and areas needing growth. He described the session as a foundational measure of the team's readiness rather than a showcase of championship-caliber routines, underscoring the challenges ahead.

Freshman Kaylin Chio emerged as a standout, earning accolades for her poise and consistency across all four events. The coach commended her competitive drive, resilience, and top-tier physical conditioning, attributing her smooth transition into collegiate gymnastics to her club training. Chio's impressive debut signals a strong start for LSU as they prepare for the NCAA season.

In a press conference earlier this week, Olivia Dunne's coach reflected on the event, offering insights into the team's performance and areas of progress. Clark said (via LSU Sports),

"Looked really ready, others looked scared and timid...its just kind of a mixed bag. But you know, at the end of the day, I told them from the jump we're just trying to get a baseline today and just kind of get our feet wet, so some really encouraging things there, obviously probably the highlight of the night is Kayin Chio the freshman" (0:04).

The coach noted concerns about some experienced athletes appearing hesitant and lacking confidence. While errors like beam falls were not alarming, the overall uncertainty among seasoned gymnasts stood out.

Olivia Dunne recently bid farewell to collegiate gymnastics at the final Gym 101 event. Performing at the PMAC arena, she delivered impressive routines on bars., beam, and floor, captivating with her poise and consistency.

Her final performance not only showcased her athletic prowess but also underscored the impact of her NIL journey, which has redefined opportunities for collegiate gymnasts.

Olivia Dunne's coach Jay Clark reflects on the growing importance of NIL

Olivia Dunne at 2024 LSU Archive - Source: Getty

Olivia Dunne has redefined collegiate athletics, establishing herself as a leading figure in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. With a $3.7 million NIL valuation and over 12.4 million social media followers, her achievements exemplify the potential for student-athletes, particularly in gymnastics.

Jay Clark, head coach of LSU gymnastics, shared his perspective on the opportunities for student-athletes. He said (via on3.com),

"It's their own business as much as you and I wouldn't necessarily exchange how much money we make at our professions."

Reflecting on the growing importance of NIL in collegiate sports, he added:

"The kids are very much in charge of their own entity."

At a young age, Dunne's portfolio features sponsorships with prominent brands like Vuori Clothing, American Eagle, Plant Fuel, and Bartleby, placing her among the highest-earning collegiate athletes.