How Meg Flanagan Became New Zealand’s Female Athlete of the Year | Everything School
Tennessee rowing star Meg Flanagan joins Everything School to talk about her journey from New Zealand to Tennessee, what makes rowing one of the toughest and most misunderstood sports in the world, and how the Lady Vols built one of the most successful stretches in program history.Meg discusses what rowing is really like, the role of the coxswain, why people misunderstand the sport, what race day feels like at Tennessee, and how team chemistry drives success on the water. She also opens up about coming to America for college, starting at SMU, following Coach Kim to Tennessee, and helping build a nationally competitive program.The conversation also dives into Meg’s experience representing New Zealand at the 2025 U23 World Championships, winning bronze, and later being named New Zealand Female Athlete of the Year. On top of that, she reflects on leadership, Vol Leaders, her future in rowing, and what makes Tennessee special.Chapters:
0:00 Meg Flanagan’s insane résumé
1:09 Meg explains rowing for beginners
7:01 Tennessee rowing training and race day culture
14:19 Growing up in New Zealand and finding rowing
17:14 Why Meg came to America and followed Coach Kim to Tennessee
25:00 World Championships bronze, leadership, and what’s next