University of Tennessee Athletics
Photo by: Alika Jenner
Tennessee Rowers Compete at Prestigious 2024 Henley Royal Regatta
July 24, 2024 | Rowing
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, United Kingdom – Current and former Tennessee rowing talent took center stage at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta earlier this month, as four current Lady Vols, along with five LVFLs, raced at the event on the River Thames, in the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames in the United Kingdom.
Incoming freshman Sydney Harris, from Newport Beach, California, raced in the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy and reached the semifinals.
"Racing at the Henley Royal Regatta was such a privilege," Harris said. "Being able to compete against the best international junior teams was unlike anything I've ever been a part of. The racing environment that is created with the regatta is incredible and makes me so excited to race and compete for Tennessee next year."
Megan Hewison, a graduate student at Tennessee in 2023-24, raced in the Ron Needs Cup (Championship 8's) at the Henley Royal. Her crew reached the final, placing second to Oxford Brooke's. Hewison also competed in the Town Challenge Cup (Championship 4-), reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Canada A, who went on to win the event.
Alex Pidgeon, a junior at Tennessee in 2024-25, raced in the Remenham Challenge Cup for Team Canada before falling to the eventual winner, Oxford Brookes University.
Incoming freshman Kathryn Burton raced the Stonor Challenge Trophy, while fellow freshman Lillian Albrecht raced the Wargrave Challenge Cup.
Additional LVFLs who also participated in the regatta include Abigail Bacci (2018-23), Erin Gifford (2020-24), Lindsey Morrissett (2017-22) and Brenna Randall (2016-20).
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Bacci, a four-time Big 12 Academic All-Conference First Team member, coxed the 2V8 boat to a 36-6 spring season boat record in 2023. Gifford, a senior for UT during the 2023-24 season, logged a 42-6 overall record with Tennessee's Second Eight crew this past spring and placed third at the NCAA Championships in that boat.
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Morrissett most recently rowed for the Lady Vols as a graduate student in 2021-22. She earned 2021 CRCA Division I Pocock All-America Second Team honors and won the Big 12 Boat of the Week award on four occasions during her career. Randall was honored as a Volunteer of Distinction in 2021, along with making the Big 12 All-Conference Rowing Team that year.
Incoming freshman Sydney Harris, from Newport Beach, California, raced in the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy and reached the semifinals.
"Racing at the Henley Royal Regatta was such a privilege," Harris said. "Being able to compete against the best international junior teams was unlike anything I've ever been a part of. The racing environment that is created with the regatta is incredible and makes me so excited to race and compete for Tennessee next year."
Megan Hewison, a graduate student at Tennessee in 2023-24, raced in the Ron Needs Cup (Championship 8's) at the Henley Royal. Her crew reached the final, placing second to Oxford Brooke's. Hewison also competed in the Town Challenge Cup (Championship 4-), reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Canada A, who went on to win the event.
Alex Pidgeon, a junior at Tennessee in 2024-25, raced in the Remenham Challenge Cup for Team Canada before falling to the eventual winner, Oxford Brookes University.
Incoming freshman Kathryn Burton raced the Stonor Challenge Trophy, while fellow freshman Lillian Albrecht raced the Wargrave Challenge Cup.
Additional LVFLs who also participated in the regatta include Abigail Bacci (2018-23), Erin Gifford (2020-24), Lindsey Morrissett (2017-22) and Brenna Randall (2016-20).
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Bacci, a four-time Big 12 Academic All-Conference First Team member, coxed the 2V8 boat to a 36-6 spring season boat record in 2023. Gifford, a senior for UT during the 2023-24 season, logged a 42-6 overall record with Tennessee's Second Eight crew this past spring and placed third at the NCAA Championships in that boat.
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Morrissett most recently rowed for the Lady Vols as a graduate student in 2021-22. She earned 2021 CRCA Division I Pocock All-America Second Team honors and won the Big 12 Boat of the Week award on four occasions during her career. Randall was honored as a Volunteer of Distinction in 2021, along with making the Big 12 All-Conference Rowing Team that year.
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