Olivia Dunne-Paul Skenes’ relationship might have just started due to a lack of initial Instagram followers.
In a GQ interview released this week, Dan, 22, reflected on how they connected as LSU athletes, mentioning that Skenes is reluctant to engage with baseball stars since they don’t follow influencers with 5 million followers.
However, Skenes, also 22, clarified that this choice wasn’t intentional.
He simply wasn’t focused on social media, but he recognized Dan, of whom he noted, “everyone knows” in college.
Nonetheless, Dan expressed her confusion about why her age would keep her off social media.
“I recalled asking during an interview, ‘Who is this guy, and why doesn’t he follow me?’ Yet, she found herself attracted to “a tall, enigmatic man” despite her busy schedule, which contrasts with Skenes, who plays baseball on weekends and travels for gymnastics.
“He started every Friday and we were competing so we couldn’t really see him play,” she shared with GQ.
Ultimately, Skenes approached Dunne and their relationship was made public in the summer of 2023.
Dan, a fifth-year student at LSU, supports Skenes in his ascending MLB career.
Last July, she was named as a starting pitcher for the All-Star Game alongside the Pirates hurler, marking her nomination as the fifth rookie in MLB history.
Dan also celebrated Skenes’ NL Rookie of the Year win with a special outfit.
Alongside interviews, the pair participated in a significant photo shoot for GQ.
Skenes anticipated some playful teasing from his teammates.
“Yeah, I expect to have some jokes in the locker room, and I’m not looking forward to that,” Skenes remarked with a laugh, caught by CBS Sports following the Pirates’ triumph.
“Honestly, I had no idea what GQ was. I’m thrilled with the opportunity,” he added.
As the season commenced, Skenes held an ERA of 1.46 with 13 strikeouts.
