During the Conference’s first season of rowing, Cupini was named SEC Co-Coach of the Year, and five Lady Vols were named All-SEC.

The inaugural season of the Conference’s rowing program was nothing short of historic. From the very first stroke, the Lady Vols showed they belonged at the highest level of collegiate rowing competition. Their competitive spirit, resilience, and rapid progress culminated in a landmark achievement: Coach Cupini being named SEC Co-Coach of the Year and five Lady Vols receiving All-SEC honors. This milestone not only speaks to the team’s outstanding performance but also signals a promising future for the program.

Rowing is a demanding, highly technical sport that requires strength, precision, and unshakable teamwork. Historically, the Conference had not fielded a rowing team, making this first season a true test of grit and preparation. The decision to establish a rowing program was driven by the growing popularity of the sport, increasing opportunities for women in collegiate athletics, and the desire to expand the Conference’s footprint in diverse sports arenas.

From the outset, expectations were tempered. Building a competitive rowing team from scratch is a challenging endeavor, often requiring years of recruitment, training, and culture-building. Yet, the Lady Vols defied the odds. Their early success was a testament to the vision of athletic leadership and the strategic appointment of Coach Cupini.

Head Coach Sarah Cupini brought a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to the Lady Vols program. With a background as a collegiate rower herself and years of coaching at the national and club levels, Cupini had the perfect blend of technical expertise and motivational leadership. From day one, she emphasized fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness.

Her coaching philosophy focused not just on physical conditioning but on building a family culture where each athlete felt valued and driven to excel. She instituted rigorous training programs that balanced endurance, power, and technique. Cupini’s ability to quickly assess each athlete’s strengths and tailor coaching to maximize their potential was instrumental in the team’s rapid development.

The SEC recognized her efforts with the Co-Coach of the Year award — a remarkable honor in a league known for its competitive rigor. Cupini shared the award with a veteran coach from another program, highlighting the respect she earned across the conference in just one season.

The Lady Vols began their season facing established programs with decades of rowing pedigree. Early meets were about gaining experience and setting a competitive foundation. The athletes quickly bonded through grueling early morning practices, cross-training sessions, and countless hours on the water.

As the season progressed, their cohesion and skill became apparent. Key victories included a hard-fought win over a top SEC rival in the mid-season regatta and a near upset against a nationally ranked team at the conference championship. The Lady Vols showed resilience, often bouncing back from slow starts to finish strong, reflecting the mental toughness instilled by Coach Cupini.

In total, the Lady Vols competed in ten regattas, securing top-three finishes in more than half. Their stroke rate, synchronization, and power output ranked among the best in the conference, which was especially impressive given the infancy of the program.

The conference’s recognition of five Lady Vols on the All-SEC team speaks volumes about the individual talent and collective effort within the squad. These athletes not only performed at an elite level but also exemplified leadership and dedication.

Harding, the stroke seat in the varsity eight, was the team’s rhythm setter and emotional anchor. Her consistent power and precise timing helped synchronize the boat, setting the pace that propelled the Lady Vols to numerous victories. A senior captain, Harding’s leadership on and off the water was crucial in uniting the team through the highs and lows of the season.

Often the unsung hero in rowing, the coxswain’s role is critical for race strategy and crew coordination. Sanchez, known for her sharp tactical mind and motivating calls, was instrumental in steering the Lady Vols through tight races. Her calm demeanor and quick decision-making earned her praise from teammates and coaches alike.

Chen’s role in the middle seats of the boat made her one of the primary power contributors. Known for her explosive strength and endurance, she dominated the mid-race segments, helping the Lady Vols maintain speed against strong competition. Her training ethic was second to none.

Wright stood out for her flawless rowing technique and adaptability. Whether in the varsity eight or the four, she demonstrated exceptional versatility and consistency. Her ability to adjust to race conditions and maintain form helped reduce the team’s energy expenditure while maximizing speed

A freshman sensation, Kim quickly earned her place on the varsity squad. Her natural talent combined with a fierce work ethic made her a key contributor in crucial races. She was lauded by Coach Cupini as a future cornerstone of the program.

The success of the Lady Vols’ inaugural season has far-reaching implications. For the Conference, it represents a bold step toward expanding women’s athletics and embracing a sport rich in tradition and inclusivity. The program’s success has already boosted recruiting efforts, drawing interest from top high school rowers nationally.

At the university level, the rowing team has inspired broader student and community engagement. Alumni events, booster support, and local media coverage have increased, bringing new visibility and resources to the athletics department.

For the athletes, being part of this historic first season has forged lifelong bonds and built character traits like resilience, discipline, and leadership that transcend sports.

Coach Cupini reflected on the season’s journey, saying, “This was never going to be easy, but these young women embraced the challenge with heart and determination. To be named Co-Coach of the Year in our first season is humbling, but the real reward is seeing these athletes grow and achieve on and off the water.”

Emily Harding added, “We knew we were the underdogs, but that only made us work harder. Being named All-SEC is a dream come true, but it’s really a team effort. Every rower, every practice, every race counted.”

Mia Sanchez highlighted the importance of teamwork: “The coxswain’s job is to bring the crew together, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of athletes. This season showed what we can do when we trust each other.”

While the Lady Vols’ inaugural season set a high bar, the journey is just beginning. The program aims to build on this momentum by investing in facilities, expanding recruiting pipelines, and enhancing strength and conditioning programs.

Coach Cupini emphasized a vision for sustained excellence: “We want this to be a program that not only competes but dominates the SEC and makes a national impact. That requires long-term commitment, support, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.”

The five All-SEC honorees are expected to take on even bigger leadership roles next season, mentoring incoming freshmen and continuing to raise the program’s profile.

The Conference’s first rowing season was a remarkable success story, marked by grit, rapid development, and shining individual performances. Coach Cupini’s recognition as SEC Co-Coach of the Year and the unprecedented honor of five Lady Vols named All-SEC underscore a season that exceeded expectations and laid the groundwork for a bright future.

The Lady Vols’ triumph is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and teamwork. As the program moves forward, the rowing community and the wider SEC will be watching closely, anticipating even greater achievements from this rising powerhouse.