In the past, Tennessee would participate in the Big 12 championships.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - No more Big 12 for Tennessee rowing. The Lady Volunteers are finally in the SEC. With the addition of Oklahoma and Texas this season, there are finally enough teams for an SEC Championship.

Back in August, the SEC officially sponsored rowing as it's 22nd sport.

Now, the Lady Vols (@Vol_Rowing) are set for the inaugural SEC Championships this Sunday in Oak Ridge. #LadyVols pic.twitter.com/5vYJTHL7qf
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) May 9, 2025

Even better, Tennessee has the opportunity to host the races at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge.

“First ever SEC Championships will go down as history as Tennessee hosted it, so it is super awesome for us,” Tennessee Rowing Head Coach Kim Cupini said.

On the river this morning with Lady Vol rowing (@Vol_Rowing) as they get ready for the inaugural SEC Championships this Sunday in Oak Ridge.

Catch the story tonight on @wvlt #LadyVols pic.twitter.com/l90nZKLTq7
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) May 9, 2025

Back in August, rowing became the 22nd sport sponsored by the Southeastern Conference. Now, they get to join the other 14 Tennessee sports in the SEC.

“It was always kind of awkward because we take a lot of pride in the SEC, so it is super awesome to have the SEC host the official championship,” Cupini said.

“The SEC conference is the best conference out there,” junior rower Meg Flanagan said. ”It was awesome to represent Tennessee in a different conference and spread our name and how well we were doing, but now part of the SEC, it is just true Tennessee racing."

"I am excited to be a part of this program that is only building and will continue to build even after I'm gone."

Last year, Tennessee rowing was in the Big 12. This year, they have the opportunity to host the inaugural SEC rowing Championships. #LadyVols pic.twitter.com/GxjrkbYeDi
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) May 9, 2025

Just like several other sports at Tennessee, rowing has seen a lot of success. Coach Cupini has turned this program around in just her first two seasons.

“I don’t even know how to explain it. It is so different and the team has really come together,” junior rower Alex Pidgeon said.

“I think Kim is the reason we are all so connected, but it also comes back to the team really caring for each other and wanting to be fast for each other,” Flanagan said.

Last season, in her first season, Coach Cupini led the Lady Vols to their best season ever with a third place finish in the NCAA Championships. Safe to say, this team knows what it takes to be successful in the postseason.

The SEC is competitive across all sports and rowing is no different. Tennessee and Texas are about ranked in the top four in the country, so it will be a battle Sunday.

The inaugrual SEC rowing Championships starts Sunday morning at 9:05 am at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge. WVLT will be there to cover the event.