The Tennessee Lady Vols rowing team made history this weekend, capturing their first-ever SEC championship in dramatic fashion. In a thrilling showdown against powerhouse Texas, Tennessee secured the title with a hard-fought 79-75 victory in the overall point standings, punctuated by a decisive win in the final 1V8 race of the day.

"Phenomenal to see that from the team," said head coach Kim Cupini. "Texas came in as the number one team in the country with that undefeated eight, so to see our varsity eight clinch like that was awesome." Cupini praised the entire squad's depth, noting, "I have to take my hat off to the full team to get enough points to win the SEC championship and bring that championship home, especially here in Tennessee. I was super impressed and super proud of them."

The Lady Vols showcased their strength across multiple events, earning four wins on the day. Alongside the flagship 1V8 victory, Tennessee also dominated in the 2V4, 3V8, and 3V4 races. This marks the program's first conference title since 2012, when they competed in Conference USA, and their first since joining the SEC—a milestone that signals the team's rise as a national contender.

Adding to the celebration, the team hosted the UT Old Boys game on May 2, 2026, at Tennessee Rugby Park in Knoxville. Former Vols alumni competed against the current squad in a spirited exhibition, bridging generations of Tennessee rowing excellence. For fans looking to commemorate this championship season, the Lady Vols' historic performance is a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of victory.