Jen Kish
Rugby Athlete- Edmonton
Class of 2026
Jennifer “Jen” Kish is one of Alberta’s most accomplished and influential rugby athletes, with an international career spanning more than 13 years (2005–2018). Raised in Alberta and developed through community rugby programs, she rose to become one of the world’s top women’s rugby sevens players and a respected leader on and off the field.
Her greatest competitive achievement came at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she captained Team Canada to a historic bronze medal in the first-ever Olympic women’s rugby sevens tournament. As captain, she also led Canada to a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and a silver medal at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow. Recognized internationally for her excellence, she was nominated for World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and was named Rugby Canada Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. As well as inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame (2023).
Jen’s impact extends far beyond medals. She was one of the first openly gay captains in Canadian sport and has been a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health awareness. She pledged her brain to concussion research to support athlete safety and has consistently used her platform to promote authenticity, resilience, and leadership.
At the provincial and national levels, she has been inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame (2017) and the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame (2023) and was named CAAWS Most Influential Athlete in 2016. She continues to mentor young athletes across Alberta through camps, school visits, and community initiatives, inspiring the next generation of leaders in sport.
Jennifer “Jen” Kish’s legacy is defined not only by Olympic and international success, but by her courage, leadership, and commitment to strengthening sport and community. Her induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame honors her excellence on the world stage and her lasting impact on rugby in Alberta and across Canada.
