KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The excitement continues for the fourth-ranked Tennessee rowing team, who has just clinched an at-large bid to the 2025 NCAA Championships. This achievement marks their 11th appearance in the NCAA Championship history, highlighting a strong resurgence in the program as they gear up for their shot at glory.
Tennessee Rowing: A Season to Remember
After finishing as the runner-up at the SEC Championship, the Lady Vols have made their mark yet again, earning top-8 seeds in all three of their Championship boats for the second consecutive year. The NCAA announced this prestigious news on Tuesday evening, confirming Tennessee’s place among the elite.
Championship Details
The 2025 NCAA Championships are set to occur from May 30 to June 1 at Lake Mercer in West Windsor, New Jersey, hosted by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and The Ivy League. Fans won’t miss a moment, as the entire event will be live-streamed on NCAA.com.
Stellar Performance Under New Leadership
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Kim Cupini, Tennessee has had a remarkable season, securing three top-eight seeds:
- No. 3 overall seed in the First Eight
- No. 3 seed in the Second Eight
- No. 8 seed in the Four
This marks the seventh team appearance for the program, with a notable history that also includes four at-large boat qualifications. It’s a significant turnaround, especially considering their absence from the championships from 2011-2019, with no event held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Championship Format
The Championship will feature 22 teams, with nine conferences receiving automatic qualifying bids. The remaining 13 spots will be filled through at-large selections. Each team will compete with their first and second varsity eight boats, in addition to their first varsity four. All 22 boats will compete in four heats, injecting a wave of excitement into this prestigious event.
Consistent Excellence
Tennessee has maintained an impressive trajectory throughout the season, consistently ranked inside the top six in all 10 CRCA national polls, including eight weeks in the top five. The Lady Vols’ combined record stands at 66-9 this season, a testament to their unwavering commitment and skill.
- First Varsity Eight (1V8): 23-2 record, returning with a silver medal from the SEC Championship.
- Second Varsity Eight (2V8): 22-3 record, clinching gold in their race at the SEC Championship.
- First Varsity Four (1V4): 21-4 record, also securing second place at the SEC Championship.
Last Year’s Triumph
Last season, Tennessee achieved its best NCAA finish, claiming third place nationally in Bethel, Ohio. With their eye on the prize, they aim to surpass that remarkable feat this year.
Automatic and At-Large Qualifiers
Automatic Qualifiers:
- Rhode Island
- Stanford
- UCF
- Washington
- Northeastern
- Yale
- Fairfield
- Boston University
- Oregon State
At-Large Selections:
- Brown
- California
- Dartmouth
- Harvard
- Indiana
- Michigan
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton
- Rutgers
- Syracuse
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
As the world watches, you can be sure that the Lady Vols are ready to make waves at the 2025 NCAA Championships. With a winning spirit and a proven track record, they’re geared up for what promises to be a thrilling competition! For more insights on collegiate rowing, visit NCAA Rowing.
