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Kirst brothers take their backyard battle to PLL semifinals
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- Kirst brothers take their backyard battle to PLL semifinals
Last Saturday night in Minneapolis, the Boston Cannons walked off the field with a win, a spot in the semifinals and one game standing between them and a trip to the U.S. Bank Championship.
Connor and Colin Kirst had plenty to celebrate. Then their family group chat started going off.
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Their younger brother, CJ Kirst , was among the first to chime in.
"See you next weekend."
It was the Philadelphia Waterdogs attackman's way of saying congratulations.
But it was quickly followed by a reminder that only a brother could deliver:
"Make sure your mouthpieces are in."
Despite the group chat banter, the word the Kirsts return to when thinking about Monday's postseason matchup in Salt Lake City is, simply, "fun." For all the stakes that come with playoffs, there's something special about playing the game alongside your best friends, even in opposing jerseys.
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Built in the backyard
As three of the five Kirst brothers prepare for their biggest game of the season, they can't help but think about where the journey began.
"One day we're playing together in the backyard and then bam , now we're competing for a spot in the Championship," Connor said.
CJ was just 12 years old when Connor went off to college, so the two never overlapped in their high school or college careers. It wasn't until the professional level that they finally got the opportunity to bring those backyard battles onto the field.
The six-year age gap between Connor and CJ never meant much in the Kirst house. There was no taking it easy, and CJ could hold his own. When he did manage to beat out one of his older brothers, he knew exactly what to do next.
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"If he did get me, then he's running away, and I'm chasing him," Connor said. "Definitely did not hold back at all."
KIRST x3‼️
CJ Kirst, defended by Connor Kirst, scores on Colin Kirst 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ZZxShP8pYr— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 2, 2025
Those hours spent competing with his older brothers weren't just childhood memories. They helped shape CJ into the player he is today – one who set the PLL's single-season goals record with 34 this year.
"It's awesome. Breaking a record like that, it doesn't just happen," Connor said. "I still take away a ton of lessons from how he goes about his day-to-day. Just very proud of him."
Years later, stepping onto a lacrosse field together is like traveling back in time.
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"It brings back that childlikeness, playing against each other growing up, and it really does bring a smile to our face," Colin said. "… It's like playing in our basement or playing mini sticks, and that's like the coolest part: still being able to do it as a family."
Family first
As anticipation builds and both teams craft their game plans, life for the Kirsts is surprisingly normal this week.
There's no dramatic shift in the family group chat or awkward silence between brothers. When asked whether they're still talking to CJ this week, the answer from Connor and Colin is immediate: absolutely.
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Though the week has come with a little extra ribbing – and a few bets among friends and family.
"Connor and CJ start a bit more of the banter in the family group chat, where I'm kind of just supporting Connor and his chirps," Colin laughed.
The jabs are on par with Connor's personality; he's never been one to take things too seriously. That easygoing approach has become part of the family dynamic and has trickled down to the rest of the brothers.
"Connor is definitely the happy-go-lucky guy, always brings a spark to whatever he's doing," Colin said. "He finds the joy in everything, and I think CJ's very similar there, where I think I am a little bit more serious. … But they've rubbed off on me so much in having that mindset."
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Over the years, they've learned how to compete against each other – even if they'd rather be in the same jersey.
"We've been here before," Colin said. "It's not a new feeling, but it's definitely one where we all wish we were all on the same side."
When Monday morning comes and the biggest game of their season arrives, Connor and Colin will wake up knowing their younger brother is in the locker room across the field. For 60 minutes, they'll compete against CJ with a Championship spot on the line. But before the helmets go on and the game begins, they'll text each other like they always do.
"All my brothers would say this: We're each other's best friends," Colin said. "… We're all our biggest fans and biggest cheerleaders, and we've learned that from our parents. We love it and for sure will be texting."
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The closeness between the family has never been limited to lacrosse. Their lives have continued to unfold alongside one another, often in ways they don't plan.
This summer, that meant two proposals just weeks apart. Connor and Colin found themselves at the same stage of life, each taking the next step with their now fiancées – giving the whole family another reason to celebrate together.
Semifinal battle
As for who the family is rooting for, "Switzerland" is the common answer – though Colin knows a few family friends who may have a little more stake in the Waterdogs this week.
But the best part of the matchup for the family: no matter what happens, at least one Kirst is heading to the Championship.
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Connor is looking forward to sharing the field with his younger brother, and giving him a hard time while he's at it.
"We've got to shut them down," Connor said. "Or, you know, maybe I get under [CJ's] skin, and we'll both get a penalty."
Come game time, the jokes will give way to the game itself. For 60 minutes, they'll be focused on their own sides of the field and what it takes to win, but the smiles will remain.
"I think in between the lines, we all have our objectives and what we need to do within our roles," Colin said. "But when you see your brother that is across from you in a different colored jersey, it's really hard not to smile."
Kirst chasing Kirst 😃 @RUmlax @CornellLacrosse 📷: Me for @USALacrosseMag pic.twitter.com/P3pKhyfEsv
— Rich Barnes (@Firstteamphoto) June 1, 2022
Lighthearted is how the Kirsts operate. Anyone who watches them play can sense the joy they have for the game. It's hard for any of them to put into words what it's like to share the professional stage with their best friends. Gratitude covers it well.
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Monday will start like any other gameday for the brothers. But after the final whistle, the loser can expect "immediate jabs," Connor said.
Someone will hear about it in the family group chat, but come Tuesday morning, none of that will matter for long. Because whether it's Connor and Colin or CJ walking away with a ticket to the U.S. Bank Championship, the Kirst family will have someone to root for on Sept. 20.
