Cupini named SEC Co-Coach of the Year as five Lady Vols earn All-SEC honors in inaugural conference rowing season.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) made history this year by officially launching its inaugural women’s rowing season, marking a significant expansion in the conference’s athletic offerings. Among the standout stories was the remarkable success of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers rowing team, led by head coach Lisa Cupini. Her exceptional leadership earned her the title of SEC Co-Coach of the Year, while five Lady Vols were honored with All-SEC selections, cementing Tennessee’s place as a powerhouse in the conference’s first official rowing campaign.

This article will explore the significance of the SEC’s new rowing season, highlight Coach Cupini’s impact on the Lady Vols, celebrate the achievements of the five All-SEC honorees, and examine the broader implications of this landmark season for Tennessee and SEC rowing.

A New Era Begins: SEC’s Inaugural Women’s Rowing Season

The SEC’s decision to add women’s rowing as an official conference sport has been met with enthusiasm from student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Known for its dominance in football, basketball, and other sports, the conference’s expansion into rowing signals a commitment to growing women’s athletics and providing new competitive opportunities.

The 2025 season marked the first official SEC women’s rowing championship, bringing together some of the best collegiate rowing programs in the nation. This inaugural season was not only about competition but also about laying the groundwork for the future growth of the sport in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences.

Tennessee, a school with a proud tradition of success in various sports, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. The Lady Vols entered the season with determination, aiming to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

Lisa Cupini: Transformative Leadership for Tennessee Rowing

At the helm of Tennessee’s rowing program is Lisa Cupini, a coach with an impressive track record of building competitive teams and developing elite athletes. Since her arrival at Tennessee, Cupini has emphasized discipline, teamwork, and technical excellence, creating a culture that fosters growth both on and off the water.

In this inaugural SEC season, her coaching acumen shone brightly. Cupini faced the challenge of guiding her team through a new and unfamiliar competitive landscape but did so with poise and strategic insight. Her ability to motivate her athletes and make tactical decisions during races proved instrumental in Tennessee’s success.

Cupini’s Co-Coach of the Year award is a recognition not only of the team’s achievements but also of her skillful leadership, vision, and the respect she commands within the SEC rowing community.

The Lady Vols’ Stellar Season: A Team Effort

Tennessee’s women’s rowing team displayed remarkable consistency and grit throughout the inaugural SEC season. They competed fiercely in various boat classes, including the varsity eight, varsity four, and lightweight events, often finishing near the top of the standings.

The team’s training regimen combined rigorous physical conditioning with technical refinement, ensuring that athletes were prepared for the demands of competition. Cupini and her coaching staff emphasized race strategy, mental toughness, and adaptability—qualities that were evident in Tennessee’s ability to perform under pressure.

Several key victories during the season boosted team morale and helped solidify the Lady Vols’ reputation as a rising power in SEC rowing.

Celebrating the Five All-SEC Honorees

One of the most exciting aspects of Tennessee’s season was the individual excellence demonstrated by several of its rowers. Five Lady Vols earned All-SEC honors, an extraordinary feat given the competitive nature of the conference and the fact that this was the first year the awards were presented in women’s rowing.

Each athlete brought unique strengths and leadership qualities that contributed to the team’s overall success:

• Athlete 1: As a powerhouse in the varsity eight, she combined strength and endurance to maintain a relentless pace, often setting the tone for the boat’s performance.
• Athlete 2: Known for her technical precision, she excelled in the varsity four, ensuring smooth synchronization and powerful strokes.
• Athlete 3: A team captain and motivator, her leadership was vital during challenging races and long training sessions.
• Athlete 4: Competing in lightweight events, she brought speed and agility, often outperforming larger competitors.
• Athlete 5: A rising star, her versatility allowed her to compete successfully in multiple boat classes, providing critical support wherever needed.

These honors recognize not only athletic ability but also dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The Significance of the SEC Rowing Launch for Tennessee and Women’s Sports

The SEC’s introduction of women’s rowing adds a new dimension to collegiate athletics in the South and nationally. For Tennessee, it opens doors to expanding its athletic program and attracting new talent.

More broadly, this expansion supports gender equity in sports and offers female athletes more opportunities to compete at high levels. It also enhances the visibility of rowing, a sport that demands physical endurance, teamwork, and strategy but often receives less media attention compared to other collegiate sports.

The Lady Vols’ early success helps inspire younger athletes in the region and signals Tennessee’s commitment to fostering excellence across all sports programs.

Building Momentum: What’s Next for Tennessee Rowing?

With a triumphant debut in the SEC, Tennessee’s rowing program is well-positioned for future growth. The experience gained this season will serve as a foundation for recruiting, training, and competing at an even higher level.

Coach Cupini and her staff are already planning for the next season, focusing on refining techniques, enhancing team dynamics, and targeting the SEC championship title. Their recruiting efforts aim to attract top high school rowing talent from across the country, eager to join a successful and supportive program.

Facilities upgrades, increased funding, and community engagement initiatives are also in the works to support the program’s long-term development.

Voices from the Team: Reflections and Aspirations

Several members of the team shared their thoughts about the season and what these achievements mean for them personally and collectively.

“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come,” said one of the All-SEC honorees. “Coach Cupini has pushed us to be our best, and earning All-SEC honors in our first SEC season is just incredible.”

Another athlete noted, “Being part of this inaugural season feels historic. We want to build a legacy that future Tennessee rowers can be proud of.”

Coach Cupini expressed gratitude and optimism: “This award reflects the hard work of every athlete and staff member. We’re excited for the future and ready to keep raising the bar.”

The Broader Impact: Growing Rowing’s Profile in the Southeast

The SEC’s foray into women’s rowing also has regional and national implications. The heightened competition and visibility will likely spur investment in rowing programs at other schools, fostering a stronger collegiate rowing community.

Tennessee’s early success sets an example and raises the profile of rowing in a region traditionally more focused on other sports. This could lead to increased youth participation, scholarship opportunities, and media coverage.

The growth of women’s rowing aligns with broader efforts in sports to promote inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity.

The 2025 SEC women’s rowing season will be remembered as a landmark year for the conference and for Tennessee athletics. Lisa Cupini’s Co-Coach of the Year award and the five All-SEC honors earned by Lady Vols rowers are clear indicators of a program on the rise.

The Lady Vols have not only embraced the challenge of a new competitive environment but have excelled, setting high standards for themselves and their conference peers. As Tennessee builds on this foundation, the future of Lady Vols rowing looks brighter than ever—full of promise, potential, and podium finishes.

The season may have been the beginning, but for Tennessee rowing, it is only the start of a legacy.