Julz Dunne: The Mastermind Behind the Empire—A Deep Dive into the Life of Olivia Dunne’s Sister

Introduction

When the world thinks of Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, they picture a dazzling gymnast soaring through the air, a social media sensation with millions of followers, and a young woman who has redefined what it means to be a college athlete in the NIL era. But behind every great success story, there is often an unsung hero—someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, offering strategy, support, and unconditional love. For Livvy Dunne, that person is her older sister, Julz Dunne.

While Livvy commands the spotlight with her gravity-defying routines and viral content, Julz operates as the quiet powerhouse pulling the strings. Described as “the brains behind the operation” by Livvy herself, Julz has been instrumental in navigating the uncharted waters of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, brand partnerships, and the immense pressure of global stardom. She is more than just a sibling; she is a strategist, a confidante, and a fierce protector of the Dunne family brand.

This is the story of Julz Dunne—a young woman who chose to support her sister’s dreams while carving out her own identity. From their childhood in New Jersey to their college years at LSU, Julz’s journey is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the quiet strength that often goes unnoticed. Let’s dive into the life of the woman who helps keep the Dunne empire running smoothly.

Quick Facts About Julz Dunne

Early Life: Growing Up in Hillsdale, New Jersey

Long before the bright lights of LSU and the millions of social media followers, the Dunne sisters were just two girls growing up in a quiet household in Hillsdale, New Jersey. Their home was one where sports were not just a pastime but a way of life. Both parents played active roles in nurturing their daughters’ athletic ambitions—David, an attorney, and Katherine, a mother with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Julz, born in February 2001, was the firstborn, and she naturally took on the role of the protective older sister. Nearly two years later, Olivia arrived, and the bond between the two sisters was forged from the very beginning. They were inseparable, sharing toys, secrets, and dreams.

A House Divided by Sports, United by Love

Interestingly, the Dunne household was divided when it came to sports preferences. While Livvy was drawn to the elegance and discipline of gymnastics from a very young age—starting at just three years old—Julz found her passion on the softball diamond. She dedicated twelve years of her life to the sport, playing through high school and learning valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and handling both victory and defeat.

In a heartfelt social media post during her senior year, Julz reflected on her softball journey, writing, “I cannot express how thankful I am to have been able to play this sport for the past 12 years. I will forever hold on to all the memories and lessons it has taught me. There have been many wins, losses, smiles, and tears, but most of all there has been so much love”. Those words perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Julz Dunne—someone who values the journey as much as the destination.

Despite their different athletic paths, the sisters were never competitive with each other. Instead, they became each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Julz would travel the country to watch Livvy’s gymnastics competitions, and Livvy would be in the stands cheering for Julz’s softball games. Their mutual support became the bedrock of their relationship.

Different Educational Paths

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Dunne sisters’ upbringing is their contrasting educational experiences. Livvy, due to her intense gymnastics training schedule, was homeschooled until the age of fourteen. Julz, on the other hand, attended Pascack Valley High School, where she graduated in 2019. This difference in schooling gave Julz a more traditional social experience, which she has humorously noted as giving her an edge in “character development” compared to her younger sister.

Julz has often teased Livvy about this, once quipping that Livvy “has no character development” because she didn’t attend public school. But beneath the playful banter lies a deep appreciation for their unique paths. The sisters complement each other perfectly—Livvy’s focus and discipline from gymnastics paired with Julz’s social awareness and strategic thinking from her public school experience.

The LSU Years: Following Her Sister to the Bayou

When Livvy committed to Louisiana State University at the age of fourteen, it seemed almost inevitable that Julz would follow. But as Julz herself admitted, she initially had no intention of going to LSU. In fact, she had never even heard of the university until Livvy committed there. However, she decided to give it a chance, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of her life.

Julz enrolled at LSU and quickly fell in love with the vibrant campus culture, the warm Southern hospitality, and the unique energy of Baton Rouge. She described the university as “so different than any school in the Northeast,” and the change of scenery proved to be exactly what she needed.

During her time at LSU, Julz pursued a degree in kinesiology with a concentration in physical activity and health. She graduated in May 2023, the same year Livvy was making headlines as the highest-paid female college athlete in the NCAA. The sisters even lived in apartments down the hall from each other for a time, maintaining their close bond despite their busy schedules.

The Gold Cowboy Hat and Front-Row Cheers

One of the most endearing images from Julz’s LSU years is her presence in the student section at Livvy’s gymnastics meets. Julz had a designated seat in the front row, and she would wear a gold cowboy hat while cheering her heart out for her younger sister. She didn’t just watch from the sidelines; she was Livvy’s loudest and most devoted fan.

This unwavering support didn’t go unnoticed. Livvy has frequently spoken about how much her sister’s presence means to her, and their bond has become a beloved storyline for fans who follow the Dunne sisters on social media.

The Birth of an Empire: Julz as the “Brains Behind the Operation”

While Livvy’s athletic prowess and stunning social media presence catapulted her to fame, it was Julz who helped transform that fame into a sustainable, multi-million-dollar empire. When the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules changed in 2021, allowing college athletes to profit from their personal brands, the Dunne sisters seized the opportunity.

Livvy became the first college athlete to sign with WME Sports agency, and her NIL valuation quickly soared to an estimated $3.9 million, making her the highest-paid female college athlete. But behind every deal, every post, and every strategic move was Julz, working diligently to ensure her sister’s success.

From Sister to Strategist

In a profile piece with Elle magazine, Livvy openly acknowledged her sister’s role, saying Julz is “sometimes the brains behind the operation”. The sisters work together to develop ideas for videos, film content, and edit posts—with Julz often handling the technical aspects while Livvy is at practice.

Julz is not just a supportive sibling; she is a paid employee of Livvy’s brand, officially working in what the sisters affectionately call “Livvy Land”. Her responsibilities range from content creation and editing to negotiating brand deals and protecting the family’s image. She has become a master of social media strategy, helping Livvy navigate the often-treacherous waters of internet fame.

Building a Family Brand

The Dunne sisters have built something rare: a family brand rooted in authenticity, humor, and mutual respect. Julz has emphasized that their success wasn’t part of a grand plan but rather a natural evolution born out of genuine passion. As she put it, “We grew the brand for the love of it. We did social media because we truly enjoyed doing that and the business just grew around us”.

This organic approach has resonated with millions of fans. The Dunne sisters are relatable, funny, and unapologetically themselves—qualities that have endeared them to audiences worldwide. Julz’s behind-the-scenes contributions have been crucial in maintaining this authenticity while also ensuring that the brand remains profitable and sustainable.

Personal Life: The Sisterhood Above All

For Julz, the most important relationship in her life is the one she shares with her sister. She has made it clear that while social media fame is exciting, it pales in comparison to the bond she has with Livvy. In an appearance on The Purple Room Podcast, Julz said, “That is my best friend, so, at the end of the day, that’s the relationship that really matters more than the ones from other people online that I don’t even know”.

The Birthday That Made Headlines

In February 2025, Julz’s 24th birthday became a viral moment when Livvy surprised her with a “dream car”—an extravagant gift that left Julz in tears. Livvy shared the emotional moment on social media, and fans were moved by the sisters’ genuine love for each other. The gesture was a testament to how much Livvy values her sister’s contributions and how their relationship transcends business.

Playful Banter and Public Jokes

Despite their professional partnership, the sisters maintain a playful, teasing dynamic that fans love. Julz has been known to poke fun at Livvy on social media, whether it’s commenting on a clothing line photoshoot or teasing her about a “sweaty” moment that went viral. This lighthearted banter humanizes them and reminds fans that beneath the fame, they are just two sisters who love each other.

Net Worth and Income Sources

While Julz Dunne’s personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is well-known that she works as a paid employee for Livvy’s brand. Given that Livvy’s NIL valuation is estimated at around $3.9 million, it’s reasonable to assume that Julz earns a significant income from her role as a strategist and manager. Additionally, Julz has her own social media following, which she leverages for brand partnerships and collaborations.

Beyond her work with Livvy, Julz is also building her own business to help other student-athletes maximize their NIL opportunities. Her expertise in social media strategy, content creation, and brand management positions her as a valuable resource in the rapidly evolving world of college athletics. She is also actively seeking opportunities in her field of study, kinesiology, demonstrating that she has ambitions beyond the world of social media.

Social Media Presence and Audience Interaction

Julz Dunne has cultivated a substantial following across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. While she doesn’t have the astronomical numbers of her sister—who boasts over 13 million followers—Julz has built a loyal community that appreciates her authenticity, humor, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the Dunne family life.

Her content often features candid moments with Livvy, playful banter, and insights into their daily lives. Julz uses her platform not just to promote her sister’s brand but also to share her own personality and interests. She interacts with her audience in a genuine, approachable manner, which has helped her build a strong personal brand separate from her sister’s fame.

Recent Updates and What’s Next

As of 2026, the Dunne sisters continue to dominate the NIL space. Julz has been featured in various media outlets, including the Amazon Prime docuseries The Money Game, which explores the impact of NIL policies on college athletes. In the series, Julz offers candid insights into her role in Livvy’s success, further cementing her reputation as a key player in the Dunne empire.

Recent interviews with Julz have revealed more about the family’s behind-the-scenes operations, including how they handle viral moments, navigate public scrutiny, and maintain their brand’s integrity. She has also shared stories about how Livvy met her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, giving fans a glimpse into the sisters’ personal lives.

Looking ahead, Julz is focused on expanding her own career while continuing to support Livvy’s endeavors. She has expressed interest in helping other athletes navigate the NIL landscape and is exploring opportunities in kinesiology and health-related fields. The future looks bright for this talented young woman, and her journey is far from over.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Sisterhood and Strength

Julz Dunne may not be the one performing backflips on the balance beam or gracing the covers of magazines, but her impact on the Dunne family empire is undeniable. She is the steady hand behind the scenes, the strategic mind that helps turn opportunities into lasting success, and the loving sister who has always been Livvy’s biggest cheerleader.

Her story is a powerful reminder that success is rarely a solo endeavor. Behind every iconic figure is often a support system of family, friends, and mentors who help make the dream a reality. Julz Dunne embodies the spirit of quiet strength, showing that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a meaningful difference.

As Julz continues to pave her own path while supporting her sister’s journey, her story stands as a testament to the power of loyalty, hard work, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. It reminds us that true success is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others up along the way. Julz Dunne is proof that sometimes, the most influential people are the ones working tirelessly behind the curtain, ensuring that the show goes on.

In a world that often celebrates individual glory, the Dunne sisters show us that the greatest victories are the ones we share with those we love. And that, perhaps, is the most inspiring lesson of all.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Olivia Dunne’s sister?

Olivia Dunne’s sister is Julianna “Julz” Dunne. She is the older sister of the LSU gymnast and social media sensation.

2. What does Julz Dunne do for a living?

Julz Dunne works as a social media strategist and brand manager for her sister Olivia’s brand. She is described as “the brains behind the operation” and is a paid employee of Livvy’s empire. She is also building her own business to help other student-athletes maximize their NIL opportunities.

3. How old is Julz Dunne?

Julz Dunne was born on February 4, 2001, making her 25 years old as of 2026.

4. Where did Julz Dunne go to college?

Julz Dunne attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she graduated in May 2023 with a degree in kinesiology.

5. Is Julz Dunne also an athlete?

Yes, Julz Dunne was a dedicated softball player for twelve years, playing through high school. Unlike her sister, she did not pursue collegiate athletics.

6. What is Julz Dunne’s net worth?

Julz Dunne’s personal net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, she works as a paid employee for Livvy’s brand and has her own social media following, which she leverages for partnerships.

7. Does Julz Dunne have social media?

Yes, Julz Dunne is active on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, where she has a substantial following.

8. What is the relationship between Julz and Olivia Dunne like?

Julz and Olivia Dunne are best friends and share an incredibly close bond. Julz has described Olivia as her best friend, and they work together professionally while maintaining a playful, supportive sibling dynamic.

9. Was Julz Dunne in the Amazon Prime series The Money Game?

Yes, Julz Dunne appeared in the Amazon Prime docuseries The Money Game, which explores the impact of NIL policies on college athletes. She shared candid insights into her role in Olivia’s success.

10. What are Julz Dunne’s future plans?

Julz Dunne is focused on expanding her own career, including helping other athletes navigate the NIL landscape and exploring opportunities in kinesiology and health-related fields. She continues to support her sister’s brand while building her own legacy.