Kirsten Therrien

Kirsten Therrien: A Multi-Faceted Athlete’s Journey in the United Grid League

Kirsten Therrien represents a unique blend of athletic achievement and public service. As a utility player for the Palm Beach Breakers and a fire department lieutenant, she demonstrates how determination and hard work can lead to success across multiple fields.

Grid League Career and Accomplishments

Therrien’s path to the United Grid League began in summer 2021 when she joined the Florida Grid League. She wore #4 for the Palm Beach Breakers during the 2021 and 2022 seasons before taking a brief step back from competition. Now back with the Breakers for the 2025 season, she brings valuable experience as a utility player, adapting to different roles based on team needs.

In February 2025, she shared insights about her Grid journey on the “In Off The Bench Podcast’s Grid and Grind Show,” discussing both her time away from the sport and her motivation to return to competition.

Athletic Background

Therrien’s athletic journey showcases her adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement across multiple sports:

- 2022 Open rank: 2118th worldwide among women

- Individual Quarterfinals appearances in 2022 (952nd) and 2023 (1334th)

- Impressive benchmark lifts: 315-pound back squat, 225-pound clean and jerk, 205-pound bench press, and 360-pound deadlift

- Notable workout times: Fran in 3:49, Grace in 2:41, and 16 consecutive pull-ups

Therrien began CrossFit around 2015-2016, focusing more intensively on training by 2017-2018. Her first CrossFit competition in 2018 marked the beginning of her competitive journey in the sport.

Prior Athletic Career

Before finding CrossFit, Therrien built a diverse athletic foundation:

- Competed in field hockey and ice hockey during high school

- Served as a rowing team coxswain in high school

- Rowed at the collegiate level for Mount Holyoke College

- Completed over two dozen half marathons and three full marathons after college

Early Life and Personal Background

Growing up in Putnam, Connecticut as the oldest of three sisters, Therrien developed her athletic interests at Pomfret School. While her early attempt at dance didn’t stick, she found her calling in team sports during middle and high school years.

At Mount Holyoke College, she earned a Psychology degree while competing as a collegiate coxswain. She later added an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst. Her father’s role as a volunteer firefighter sparked her interest in the fire service, leading her to earn EMT certification during college and work part-time with a local fire department.

Employment and Career Outside of Sports

Therrien has built an impressive career in public service while maintaining her athletic pursuits:

Fire Service Career

- Currently serves as Lieutenant with the Chicopee Fire Department (promoted 2021)

- Joined Chicopee Fire Department in September 2017

- Works as an instructor at Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

- Previously served as Firefighter/EMT-B for South Hadley Fire District 2

In January 2020, she made history as part of Chicopee’s first all-female fire engine crew. This milestone highlighted the growing presence of women in firefighting, where they represented just 7% of the workforce at the time.

Business and Professional Experience

Therrien co-owns SVG Athletics, where she coaches while maintaining her firefighting career. Before focusing on fire service, she worked in healthcare administration and held analytical positions at several organizations including Baystate Health.

She lives in a rural setting with her boyfriend, four dogs, and 15 chickens, embracing a lifestyle that supports both her athletic training and professional responsibilities.

Media Coverage and Notable Interviews

Therrien’s unique story has attracted media attention across multiple platforms:

Her athletic journey has been featured on the United Grid League’s website and CrossFit Games athlete profiles. The “In Off The Bench Podcast” highlighted her return to Grid League competition, while Road to Gainsville Blog explored her CrossFit experiences.

Her firefighting career gained attention when Fox5NY and Spectrum News 1 Worcester covered her participation in Chicopee’s first all-female fire engine crew. Throughout these appearances, she emphasizes the importance of proving oneself through consistent hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Kirsten Therrien stands out as someone who excels in both competitive athletics and public service. From collegiate rowing to CrossFit competition to the Grid League, she continues to push boundaries while serving her community as a fire lieutenant. Her return to the Palm Beach Breakers for the 2025 season adds another chapter to an already inspiring story of determination and achievement.