University of Tennessee Athletics
Four Lady Vols Garner CRCA Athlete to Watch Honors
February 17, 2026 | Rowing
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Four Tennessee rowing athletes were recognized by the College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) on its Athletes to Watch List. Alex Pigeon and Meg Flanagan were named to the CRCA Division I Athletes to Watch List, while Taryn Graves and Nicole Campbell received Honorable Mention distinction.
Â
Pidgeon and Flanagan were two of the 23 athletes featured on the watch list that highlights athletes in Division I, taking into consideration their performance, consistency, and leadership skills.
Â
Last season for Tennessee, Pidgeon was key to the programs fifth place finish at the NCAA Championships. Pidgeon was a member of the first varsity eight boat that notched a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships. At the inaugural SEC Championships, Pidgeon helped guide the 1V8 to a silver medal. For her efforts, Pidgeon garnered CRCA First Team All-American status, while also being named a finalist for the CRCA Athlete of the Year. Pidgeon was also featured on the All-SEC Rowing Team during the 2025 season as well.
Â
Flanagan was also a member of the First Varsity eight boat for Tennessee in 2025. The senior joined Pidgeon with CRCA All-American honors, featured on the organizations Second Team. Flanagan was also named to the All-SEC Rowing Team, one of five Lady Vols to be recognized on the SEC's inaugural all-conference team. In 2024, Flanagan garnered CRCA First Team All-American honors, while also being named as a finalist for the CRCA Athlete of the Year award.
Â
Graves and Campbell return in 2026 after strong 2025 campaigns for the Big Orange. Graves was the coxswain for the second varsity eight boat that earned a gold medal at the inaugural SEC Championships, helping lead the Lady Vols to win over Texas in the race. The Newport, California native joined the 1V8 boat at the NCAA Championships, helping lead the group to a fourth place finish. For Campbell, she was also a member of the 1V8 boat that earned both a silver medal at the SEC Championships, as well as a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships. A high-level athlete and student, Campbell was a 2024 CRCA National Scholar Athlete and a member of the 2025 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll.
Â
The Lady Vols open the season on March 14, as they host Michigan at the Wayne G. Basler Boathouse. To get every update on the Tennessee rowing program, follow the team on X and Instagram, and like the team on Facebook.
Â
Â
Pidgeon and Flanagan were two of the 23 athletes featured on the watch list that highlights athletes in Division I, taking into consideration their performance, consistency, and leadership skills.
Â
Last season for Tennessee, Pidgeon was key to the programs fifth place finish at the NCAA Championships. Pidgeon was a member of the first varsity eight boat that notched a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships. At the inaugural SEC Championships, Pidgeon helped guide the 1V8 to a silver medal. For her efforts, Pidgeon garnered CRCA First Team All-American status, while also being named a finalist for the CRCA Athlete of the Year. Pidgeon was also featured on the All-SEC Rowing Team during the 2025 season as well.
Â
Flanagan was also a member of the First Varsity eight boat for Tennessee in 2025. The senior joined Pidgeon with CRCA All-American honors, featured on the organizations Second Team. Flanagan was also named to the All-SEC Rowing Team, one of five Lady Vols to be recognized on the SEC's inaugural all-conference team. In 2024, Flanagan garnered CRCA First Team All-American honors, while also being named as a finalist for the CRCA Athlete of the Year award.
Â
Graves and Campbell return in 2026 after strong 2025 campaigns for the Big Orange. Graves was the coxswain for the second varsity eight boat that earned a gold medal at the inaugural SEC Championships, helping lead the Lady Vols to win over Texas in the race. The Newport, California native joined the 1V8 boat at the NCAA Championships, helping lead the group to a fourth place finish. For Campbell, she was also a member of the 1V8 boat that earned both a silver medal at the SEC Championships, as well as a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships. A high-level athlete and student, Campbell was a 2024 CRCA National Scholar Athlete and a member of the 2025 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll.
Â
The Lady Vols open the season on March 14, as they host Michigan at the Wayne G. Basler Boathouse. To get every update on the Tennessee rowing program, follow the team on X and Instagram, and like the team on Facebook.
Â
Players Mentioned
Everything Orange S2 | Alex Pidgeon (Rowing)
Thursday, May 22
ROW | Walk-On Promo
Thursday, August 15
Everything Orange | Kim Cupini (Rowing)
Thursday, February 01
Rowing | 2023 Senior Video
Monday, May 22
