Gymnast Hezly Rivera commits to LSU, continuing NJ connection with Livvy Dunne

Another North Jersey gymnast is headed to LSU.

Olympian Hezly Rivera, who grew up in Oradell and now lives in Texas , announced her commitment to LSU on Thursday on her Instagram account.

"I am so blessed & excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) on a full athletic scholarship. thank you Jesus for this wonderful blessing! thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me throughout this process. I also want to thank all the girls, coaches, and staff at LSU for everything," she wrote.

Livvy Dunne, who grew up in Hillsdale, is currently a fifth-year senior at LSU .

Though Dunne will be graduated by the time Rivera joins the program, the social media star shared her excitement about Rivera's commitment on social media. Dunne shared Rivera's announcement to her Instagram story, writing "let's geauxxx".

Rivera, 16, was a surprise qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She's believed to be the first Olympian from Oradell.

Rivera began training at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus at age 5. She moved to Texas a few years ago to start training with Valeri and Anna Liukin.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Gymnast Hezly Rivera commits to LSU, continuing NJ connection with Livvy Dunne