Matt Phelan

Matt Phelan: Rising Star in Grid League’s Atlanta Wild

Matt Phelan has joined the Atlanta Wild as a rookie Utility Player in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in his athletic career. At 5’9″ and 178 pounds, Phelan brings a perfect blend of strength and agility to his role, where he’ll need to excel across multiple disciplines for his team.

Before joining the Grid League, Phelan built an impressive resume in competitive CrossFit. From 2016 to 2024, he consistently tested himself against the world’s best in the CrossFit Open, reaching his peak in 2020 with a 497th worldwide ranking and placing 215th among all U.S. athletes. His steady improvement through the years showed not just raw talent, but a dedication to refining his craft.

The numbers tell the story of Phelan’s athletic capabilities. His strength stats include a 430-pound back squat, 315-pound clean and jerk, 455-pound deadlift, and 250-pound snatch. In CrossFit’s famous benchmark workouts, he’s posted times that would make any athlete proud: 2:14 on Fran, 2:32 on Grace, and 8:36 on Helen. These times demonstrate both his strength and conditioning, key attributes for his new role in Grid League.

Phelan’s path to becoming a well-rounded athlete started with football and track, laying a foundation that would serve him well in CrossFit and now Grid League. This varied sports background helps explain his adaptability, a crucial trait for a Utility Player who needs to shift between different types of movements and challenges during competition.

Outside the gym, Phelan has built a career that reflects his passion for fitness and leadership. As a Key Leader at lululemon, he’s found success in the athletic retail world. He’s also shown his entrepreneurial spirit by operating a CrossFit gym and working as a professional coach, sharing his knowledge with others looking to improve their fitness.

His academic background adds another layer to his athletic expertise. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and an Associate of Science from Mercer County Community College, Phelan brings both practical experience and scientific understanding to his training.

Now based in Atlanta, Phelan is positioned to make his mark on the Grid League. As a Utility Player for the Wild, he’ll draw on every aspect of his diverse athletic background, from his track speed to his CrossFit engine to his raw strength numbers. His transition from individual competition to team-based performance adds an intriguing element to his story, as he learns to apply his considerable skills in service of group success.

The combination of his proven track record in CrossFit, his varied athletic background, and his professional experience in the fitness industry suggests Phelan could become a standout performer for the Atlanta Wild. His rookie season will be worth watching as he brings his unique blend of strength, skill, and versatility to this new challenge.