Lindsay (Freund) DeGrasse
Branford native Lindsay Freund Degrasse had one of the more versatile athletic careers at Branford High School. A 2004 BHS graduate, Lindsay achieved many accomplishments as a gymnast, a diver, and a lacrosse player and since graduation has also experienced a rewarding career in nurse anesthesia and raising a family.
From 2001 to 2004 at Branford, Lindsay competed as a varsity gymnast, becoming a three-time All-State and three-time New Haven Register All-Area gymnast. Her sophomore year was particularly memorable, as she placed in the top three on the uneven bars at the New England Gymnastics Championship in New Hampshire. In 2002, Lindsay showcased her all-around talent by winning first place in all four events and the all-around title at the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship, propelling Branford to a historic second-place finish—the best in the school’s history.
Beyond gymnastics, Lindsay’s athleticism extended to the lacrosse field and the diving board. She played varsity lacrosse for three years, from 2001 to 2003. In her senior year, she tried diving for the first time and made an immediate impact. Remarkably, she finished in 10th place at the state championships, contributing to Branford’s victory in the 2003 Class M State Championships. Lindsay’s ability to excel in a new sport with such limited experience is a testament to her natural athleticism and determination.
After graduating from BHS, Lindsay attended Quinnipiac University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2008. She continued her training at the Hospital of St. Raphael’s School of Nurse Anesthesia, graduating in 2012. Equipped with advanced skills and a passion for patient care, Lindsay embarked on a successful career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Lindsay is currently a member of the Anesthesiologists of Middletown and Integrated Anesthesia Associates teams. She works across several facilities, including the Guilford Surgery Center, Middlesex Hospital, Yale GI Center, Middletown Orthopedic Center, and CT Orthopedic Surgery Center.
Lindsay’s achievements are rooted in the strong foundation provided by her parents, Paul and Kari Freund, both Branford natives. Paul, a longtime high school math teacher at BHS and a member of the Branford Education Hall of Fame, instilled in Lindsay the values of hard work and perseverance.
Lindsay married her high school sweetheart, David DeGrasse, and the two are raising two sons, Zachary (9) and Weston (6), who attend Tisko School and are following in their mother’s athletic footsteps by playing hockey for Yale Youth Hockey, as well as participating in lacrosse, soccer, and flag football.
