Texas Rowing Crowned 2025 SEC Champions in Dominant Fashion
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns Rowing team captured the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship title this weekend, continuing their dominance in collegiate rowing with a powerful performance on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. This marks another milestone in the program’s growing legacy, as they asserted their status as a rowing powerhouse in only their second year as SEC members.
The Longhorns, ranked No. 1 entering the championship regatta, delivered commanding victories across multiple events, including the Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight, and Varsity Four races — the three main scoring categories in the championship. Their strong finishes earned them the overall team title and solidified their path toward the NCAA Championships later this month.
“We came here with one goal — to bring the title back to Austin — and I’m incredibly proud of how our team performed today,” said head coach Dave O’Neill. “Every boat raced with intensity, precision, and Texas toughness.”
In the marquee Varsity Eight race, Texas surged ahead early and never looked back, crossing the finish line nearly six seconds ahead of defending champion Tennessee. The Second Varsity Eight followed suit, maintaining a strong rhythm and clean technique to clinch another top finish. The Varsity Four wrapped up the regatta with a dramatic sprint that edged out Alabama in the final strokes.
With the sweep of the top three scoring events, Texas earned the maximum 66 points, finishing ahead of second-place Tennessee and third-place Alabama. It is the Longhorns’ first SEC title since joining the conference in rowing, though they previously won multiple Big 12 titles before the athletic program’s full integration into the SEC.
“The level of competition in the SEC is elite, and we’re honored to be part of such a competitive field,” said senior rower Lily Garcia, who anchored the Varsity Eight boat. “To win this championship means everything to us. We’ve been training for this moment all year.”
Texas Rowing’s success is the latest in a string of triumphs for the university’s athletic program since joining the SEC in 2024. The championship adds momentum as the Longhorns prepare for the NCAA Championships, where they will look to claim their third national title in five years.
As celebrations began back in Austin, Coach O’Neill reminded his team of the next challenge ahead.
“We’ll enjoy this win tonight,” he said, “but we’ve got more racing to do — and this group isn’t done yet.”
With the SEC crown secured, Texas Rowing has sent a clear message: the Longhorns are here to lead, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
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