Brendan Cunningham

Biography

A member of the 2025 Intercollegiate Rowing Association Coaching Staff of the Year, Brendan Cunningham, who was a four-year member of the Owls men's crew team and is a USRowing Level III Certified Coach, begins his third season at the helm of his alma mater in 2025-26. Last season was a return to glory for the Owls, as Cunningham saw his outfit earn IRA Comeback Team of the Year. Given to a team that has shown significant improvement with their perseverance, determination and dedication, the 2024-25 team personified that phrase throughout the season. The top three varsity eight boats were consistently ranked in the top 20 of the IRCA/IRA Top 25 polls all season and put together outstanding performances leading into Dad Vail Regatta. Facing off against three other ranked opponents in the final, the first varsity eight took home a thrilling win at the finish line to win back the Richard O'Brien - James Hanna Trophy at Dad Vail Regatta for the first time since 2021. The second varsity eight also earned gold at Dad Vail Regatta, as did the novice eight. The top two varsity boats, along with the third varsity eight, all closed the regular season with Top 20 showings at IRA National Championships - including a 16th-place showing by the second varsity eight. For their efforts, two boats - an eight and a four - were selected for competition at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England. The 2023-24 season saw the Owls turn in several high level performances, including top-10 fin