Vida Vetterkind

Vida Vetterkind: Palm Beach Breakers’ Powerhouse Athlete

Grid League Career

At just 5’2″ and 145 pounds, Vida Vetterkind has made an outsized impact in the Grid League as a fourth-year player with the Palm Beach Breakers. While officially listed as a utility player, her remarkable strength numbers have earned her recognition as one of the league’s top strength specialists, including the 2023 Strength Specialist of the Year award.

Her lifting stats tell the story of an athlete who has maximized every ounce of her compact frame. Vetterkind can back squat 405 pounds, deadlift 400 pounds, bench press 225 pounds, clean 265 pounds, and snatch 200 pounds, numbers that would be impressive for someone much larger.

Athletic Background

Before joining the Grid League, Vetterkind built a solid foundation in CrossFit competition dating back to 2016. Her best showing came in the 2022 CrossFit Open, where she ranked 670th worldwide among women and 314th in the United States. In the 2025 Open, she claimed the top spot at CrossFit Liger while ranking 1,347th globally.

Not content to excel in just one discipline, Vetterkind has recently taken up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a white belt training at Rogue Wave Martial Arts, she competed in the NEWBREED TREASURE COAST CHAMPIONSHIP in early 2025 in the women’s middleweight division.

Military Service and Professional Life

Vetterkind’s athletic achievements are built on a foundation of military discipline. As a U.S. Army veteran who served as a 91 Bravo (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic), she earned her Airborne qualification before transitioning to civilian life. Today, she balances her athletic career with pursuing her college degree and working as a CrossFit Level 1 coach, where she helps others pursue their fitness goals.

Personal Journey

At 27 years old, Vetterkind represents a new generation of multi-sport female athletes who refuse to be limited by traditional expectations. Her size-to-strength ratio showcases what’s possible through dedicated training, while her expanding skillset in different sports demonstrates her drive to constantly grow as an athlete.

Media and Recognition

Vetterkind’s inspiring story has garnered attention across fitness media. She recently appeared on the “In Off The Bench Podcast Network’s Grid and Grind Show” to discuss her military background and athletic journey. She’s also been featured in “Get to Know Grid League Players,” where she shared insights about her transition from military service to competitive athletics.

The combination of military service, elite strength achievements, and growing expertise across multiple sports makes Vetterkind a unique figure in today’s athletic landscape. Her journey shows that with enough determination, it’s possible to excel in multiple disciplines while continuing to take on new challenges.