University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vols Claim No. 1 Ranking in CRCA Coaches Poll
May 12, 2026 | Rowing
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After a historic performance at the 2026 SEC Championships, Tennessee rowing has claimed the No. 1 spot in the CRCA rankings for the first time in program history. The association announced the historic ranking on Tuesday.
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They become the 14th Tennessee program to hold a No. 1 ranking, and the fourth in the 2025-26 athletic year joining Softball, Soccer and Men's Indoor Track and Field.
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The Lady Vols are coming off a masterful performance at the conference championships, which saw them capture their first conference title since 2012. The Lady Vols claimed four gold medals during Sunday's championship, including the final race of the day in the first varsity eight that solidified the conference crown.
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The 1V8 crew handed then top-ranked Texas its first loss of the year, crossing the line with a blistering time of 6:06.939. The 2V4 collected its win in comeback fashion, chasing down the crew from Texas in the final 500 meters to get the gold. Tennessee also swept both third varsity events in the competition, with both the 3V8 and the 3V4 scoring dominant victories. The UT third varsity four got the championships started by crossing the line with an almost five-second advantage ahead of Texas. In the second race of the day, the Lady Vol 3V8+ crew put together a gold medal performance finishing nearly eight seconds ahead of the Texas crew with a time of 6:29.409.
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Up next, Tennessee sets its sights on the 2026 NCAA Championships May 29-31 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Ga. The Lady Vols will learn their seeding next week, with the NCAA Division I Women's Rowing Selection Show airing Tuesday, May 19 at 5 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
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They become the 14th Tennessee program to hold a No. 1 ranking, and the fourth in the 2025-26 athletic year joining Softball, Soccer and Men's Indoor Track and Field.
Â
The Lady Vols are coming off a masterful performance at the conference championships, which saw them capture their first conference title since 2012. The Lady Vols claimed four gold medals during Sunday's championship, including the final race of the day in the first varsity eight that solidified the conference crown.
Â
The 1V8 crew handed then top-ranked Texas its first loss of the year, crossing the line with a blistering time of 6:06.939. The 2V4 collected its win in comeback fashion, chasing down the crew from Texas in the final 500 meters to get the gold. Tennessee also swept both third varsity events in the competition, with both the 3V8 and the 3V4 scoring dominant victories. The UT third varsity four got the championships started by crossing the line with an almost five-second advantage ahead of Texas. In the second race of the day, the Lady Vol 3V8+ crew put together a gold medal performance finishing nearly eight seconds ahead of the Texas crew with a time of 6:29.409.
Â
Up next, Tennessee sets its sights on the 2026 NCAA Championships May 29-31 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Ga. The Lady Vols will learn their seeding next week, with the NCAA Division I Women's Rowing Selection Show airing Tuesday, May 19 at 5 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
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