Randy Duffy - Boathouse Director - Rowing Support Staff

Randy Duffy

Title:
Boathouse Director
Email:
rduffy3@utk.edu

Randy Duffy was announced as the Tennessee rowing program's boathouse director by head coach Kim Cupini in August of 2023.

“I am sincerely thankful for this opportunity provided by our coaching staff and the University of Tennessee athletic department to join the Tennessee rowing program,” Duffy said. “Their efforts to bring me onboard are quite humbling and I embrace the opportunity. Coming in to a new program—one poised for great success—is a responsibility and a journey I am excited to embark upon."

Having spent six years working with Cupini as the boatman for SMU’s rowing program, Duffy has brought that same level of expertise on Rocky Top.

In his first season on Rocky Top, Tennessee posted its best season in program history. The Lady Vols ascended to No. 3 in the CRCA national rankings by season’s end, and placed third nationally—a program-best finish—at the 2024 NCAA Championships.

“I’m thrilled to bring Randy on board as our boathouse director,” Cupini said. “The individual in this role is invaluable for a crew and helps maintain a culture of excellence in every area of the program. Having worked with Randy over the last six years, we know how highly motivated he is. That driven work ethic will help our program succeed as we hit the water this season.”

In his role at SMU, he oversaw racing shell setup, repair and maintenance of all primary and ancillary equipment across all brands of racing shell manufacturers, including all-inclusive fiberglass, engines and controls. With this, Duffy practiced professional carbon fiber shell damage repair and painting. He was also responsible for the program’s fleet management, including all boats, motors, trailers, trucks, and ancillary rowing equipment.

“The rowing facilities here are second to none. With the on-campus boathouse, Tennessee River, training facilities, offices and equipment all centrally located, this team can thrive while chasing championships. I am full of excitement to assist the student-athletes and staff grow and succeed while helping take this program to new heights.”

Of the many hats Duffy wore while at SMU, he was also responsible for facilities maintenance, repairs, direct facility improvements, subcontractor management and the transportation of all race equipment.

Duffy accompanied Cupini for the duration of her stint as the Mustangs’ head coach. In that six-year span, the SMU program won three American Athletic Conference titles (2021, 2022, 2023) and made three consecutive NCAA Championship appearances, where SMU finished ninth in 2023.

SMU’s staff earned AAC Coaching Staff of the Year recognition in each of the past four seasons (excluding 2019-20 due to COVID-19 canceling the season) and SMU claimed AAC Boat of the Year three times (2019, 2021, 2022) while Duffy worked with the program.