The Tennessee rowing team made history at the NCAA Championships, finishing in third place for the third time in a row. This ties their best-ever finish and reflects a remarkable performance under head coach Kim Cupini. Over her three seasons, Cupini has led the Lady Vols to unprecedented success in this important competition.
This season was especially exciting. Tennessee not only earned a third-place finish but also captured their first SEC Championship in over ten years. This victory brought back memories of their last title in 2012 when they competed in Conference USA. Cupini’s leadership earned her the SEC Coach of the Year award for the second consecutive season. Two athletes, Meg Flanagan and Frida Werner Foldager, also received individual honors, highlighting the team’s depth and talent.
One of the most thrilling moments came from the varsity four team, which finished second—its highest NCAA Championship finish ever. They moved up in the final stretch of the race when Stanford faced a setback. Tennessee crossed the line at 6:41.292, just behind Texas.
The first varsity eight secured third place with a time of 5:51.450 after a close battle with Stanford, which stood at 5:50.160. They outperformed several ranked teams, including Virginia and Yale, showcasing their strength and skill.
Tennessee’s second varsity eight didn’t secure a medal but finished fourth, maintaining competitiveness against top programs like Stanford and Texas.
Results Summary
First Varsity Eight (Grand Final)
- Texas
- Stanford
- Tennessee
Second Varsity Eight (Grand Final)
- Stanford
- Texas
- Virginia
- Tennessee
Varsity Four (Grand Final)
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Washington
In a broader context, rowing has seen an uptick in popularity. According to recent statistics from the NCAA, the number of women’s rowing programs has increased by 8% over the last decade. This growth reflects a growing interest in competitive sports among young women, parallel to wider trends toward gender equality in athletics.
The Tennessee rowing team’s success and milestones are not just wins on paper; they represent hard work, dedication, and growth in a sport that is gaining traction nationwide. With each race, the Lady Vols are not just racing against other teams; they’re also paving the way for future generations of athletes.
