Jen’s rugby journey began in the late ’80s in Ontario, where she played, coached, and volunteered. After moving to BC in 1993, she continued to contribute to the sport, playing and coaching on Vancouver Island. In 1994, Jen played a pivotal role with the VIRU Executive, helping establish the first-ever Women’s Crimson Tide games. By 2000, Jen’s passion for rugby led her to England and Wales, where she played and coached before returning to the Fraser Valley in 2005. At Abbotsford RFC, Jen’s impact was felt for many years. She served as Vice President for two years and Youth Coordinator for six, founding the first U16 and U14 girls’ teams and competitions in BC. Under her leadership, the U18 ARFC Girls’ team triumphed at the BC Championships from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, Jen retired from playing, having earned 4 Canadian Caps and won 3 National Women’s titles—two with Ontario and one with BC. Jen’s coaching career flourished after her playing days, with her leading the University of the Fraser Valley 7s program from 2017 to 2021. She also contributed to the Fraser Valley Rugby Union (FVRU) as Vice President and coordinated the PRC teams. Her coaching experience extends to the BC Summer Games teams (2008, 2010, 2012) and Valley U18 teams for PRC. Jen made history in 2013 when she coached the first-ever U16 BC girls’ team, which won the inaugural Canadian Championship. Most recently, Jen has been working with the BC U18 Girls program. Jen’s leadership and contributions to rugby have been recognized with several accolades. She was honored as the inaugural Rugby Canada Female Coach of the Year in 2013, BC Sports Female Coach of the Year in 2014, the BC Summer Games ProMotion Plus Award of Leadership in 2016, and the Joan Spray Award in 2020. In 2021, Jen returned to Vancouver Island with a mission to rebuild a Women’s program at JBAA. She continues to inspire the next generation by coaching at Oak Bay High School. Outside of rugby, Jen works in Victoria as the Canada Corporate Administrator for Bartlett Tree Experts. However, her most cherished role remains as a rugby parent, passionately supporting her three sons, Jake, Josh, and James Thiel, as they continue to grow in the sport.
Kristy Martin-Hale
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