University of Tennessee Athletics
Flanagan Among Four Finalists for CRCA Athlete of the Year Award
June 10, 2026 | Rowing
WILMINGTON, Del. -- Senior rower Meg Flanagan was named one of four finalists for the College Rowing Coaches Association's 2026 Athlete of the Year Award, the organization announced Wednesday afternoon.
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This marks the second time Flanagan has been selected as a finalist for the award. The Blenheim, New Zealand, native was also a finalist for the prestigious honor in 2024. Tennessee has now had a student-athlete named a finalist for the award in three consecutive years, with Alex Pidgeon earning the distinction in 2025.
"For four years, Meg has helped build the foundation of our team's success", said head coach Kim Cupini. "Her relentless work ethic, competitive drive, and commitment to excellence have made her a cornerstone of our program. Whether in training, racing, or supporting her teammates, Meg has consistently set the standard. While her accomplishments on the water are remarkable, what truly sets her apart is the way she leads: with humility, toughness, and an unwavering dedication to those around her. Meg embodies what it means to be a Lady Vol, and there is no one more deserving of this Athlete of the Year nomination."
The recognition adds to an impressive list of accolades for Flanagan in 2026. She was recently named a CRCA First Team All-American after earning SEC Rower of the Year honors and a spot on the All-SEC Rowing Team. Flanagan was an integral member of Tennessee's first varsity eight crew, helping lead the boat to a 30-3 record during the season.
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Flanagan helped guide the 1V8+ to a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships, marking the crew's third consecutive top five finish at the national regatta. The first varsity eight also captured the SEC Championship title, helping propel Tennessee to its first SEC rowing championship and first conference title since 2012.
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During the season, Tennessee's first varsity eight put together an unbeaten streak that began April 3 and lasted through the NCAA Championships. During that stretch, the Lady Vols recorded victories over 14 ranked opponents, including seven ranked in the nation's top 10. The run helped lift Tennessee to the No. 1 spot in the CRCA poll for the first time in program history.
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The CRCA Athlete of the Year Award is in its fifth year of existence. A small group of athletes from the All-American list are recognized as finalists based on their overall impact, performance, and leadership throughout the season. One Athlete of the Year is named per division, representing the highest honor awarded by the CRCA.
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2026 CRCA Division I Athlete of the Year Finalists
Annika Jeffery, Stanford
Meg Flanagan, Tennessee
Lucy Searle, Texas
Aisha Rocek, Washington
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This marks the second time Flanagan has been selected as a finalist for the award. The Blenheim, New Zealand, native was also a finalist for the prestigious honor in 2024. Tennessee has now had a student-athlete named a finalist for the award in three consecutive years, with Alex Pidgeon earning the distinction in 2025.
"For four years, Meg has helped build the foundation of our team's success", said head coach Kim Cupini. "Her relentless work ethic, competitive drive, and commitment to excellence have made her a cornerstone of our program. Whether in training, racing, or supporting her teammates, Meg has consistently set the standard. While her accomplishments on the water are remarkable, what truly sets her apart is the way she leads: with humility, toughness, and an unwavering dedication to those around her. Meg embodies what it means to be a Lady Vol, and there is no one more deserving of this Athlete of the Year nomination."
The recognition adds to an impressive list of accolades for Flanagan in 2026. She was recently named a CRCA First Team All-American after earning SEC Rower of the Year honors and a spot on the All-SEC Rowing Team. Flanagan was an integral member of Tennessee's first varsity eight crew, helping lead the boat to a 30-3 record during the season.
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Flanagan helped guide the 1V8+ to a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships, marking the crew's third consecutive top five finish at the national regatta. The first varsity eight also captured the SEC Championship title, helping propel Tennessee to its first SEC rowing championship and first conference title since 2012.
Â
During the season, Tennessee's first varsity eight put together an unbeaten streak that began April 3 and lasted through the NCAA Championships. During that stretch, the Lady Vols recorded victories over 14 ranked opponents, including seven ranked in the nation's top 10. The run helped lift Tennessee to the No. 1 spot in the CRCA poll for the first time in program history.
Â
The CRCA Athlete of the Year Award is in its fifth year of existence. A small group of athletes from the All-American list are recognized as finalists based on their overall impact, performance, and leadership throughout the season. One Athlete of the Year is named per division, representing the highest honor awarded by the CRCA.
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2026 CRCA Division I Athlete of the Year Finalists
Annika Jeffery, Stanford
Meg Flanagan, Tennessee
Lucy Searle, Texas
Aisha Rocek, Washington
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Players Mentioned
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