As of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Canada has advanced to the semifinals and is guaranteed to compete for a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. These matches are scheduled for Thursday, September 5 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET
In the world of competitive sports, every athlete has a unique story that shapes their journey to the top. Jen McCreesh is a member of two iconic teams: a Constable with the RCMP and a member of Team Canada’s Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team, hitting centre court in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
From policing service to serving on the court, Jen’s journey is marked by resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her athletic and professional pursuits and colleagues.
From Boundless Energy to Competitive Sports
Jen always had an abundance of energy that her mother described as “being equivalent to having triplets.”
This overflowing energy led her to discover volleyball, a sport she quickly fell in love with, following in the footsteps of her two older sisters. Volleyball became more than just a pastime; it was a channel for her boundless energy and a passion that stayed with her through school and beyond.
Inspired by the kindness Jen had received from an RCMP Member during her youth, Jen’s path took a significant turn when she chose to pursue a career with the RCMP. Though her professional life became her primary focus, her love for volleyball never waned. Even after her duties pulled her away from competitive play, she continued to enjoy the sport in more casual settings—backyards and BBQs with friends.
A Career of Service and Learning Leads to a Life Changing Decision
Jen’s 16-year career with the RCMP has been driven by a deep desire to connect with the communities she serves. From the Northern Rockies to northern B.C., she dedicated herself to not just enforcing the law, but also living the values of policing—seeking to help others in the same way she was helped during a pivotal moment in her youth. This desire to give back has been a guiding force in her life, influencing both her work as a Member and her approach to athletics.
Her journey with the RCMP began with a strong desire to join the Police Dog Service (PDS) unit to help find lost children and assist in critical investigations. But, in her first year as a police officer, she sustained a significant injury to her left ankle. The injury, initially misdiagnosed, led to months of continued physical activity on what turned out to be a broken bone, torn ligaments, and a ruptured tendon. It wasn’t until she sought further medical attention that the severity of the damage became clear, necessitating ankle reconstruction surgery.
The aftermath of the injury led to a series of ongoing issues—more injuries, surgeries, and rehab. Yet, Jen’s commitment to her role never wavered. Even as her body began to break down, her sharp mind and dedication to the RCMP kept her going. The physical demands of her job, including running, walking, and climbing stairs, became increasingly difficult due to her compromised mobility and constant pain from nerve damage. The need for pain management and the impact of compensatory injuries further complicated her situation.
Eventually, Jen hit a turning point.
Realizing that she could no longer live with the constant pain and limitations, she made the life-changing decision to have her left leg amputated. She viewed this decision as a bold step that would allow her to regain the ability to engage in the activities she loved.
Her determination and resilience saw her through the rehabilitation process, and she returned to her role as a fully operational General Duty officer with the RCMP, carrying 30-40 pounds of gear, patrolling on a bike, engaging with schools, taking calls, and handling files.
Refusing to let Challenges Define You
Refusing to let this challenge define her, Jen sought to return to the active life she loved. It was during her rehabilitation that she was introduced to paralympic sitting volleyball by a Team Canada athlete, sparking a new chapter in her life.
In sport, Jen found herself surrounded by women who, like her, had faced and overcome incredible challenges. The inspiration she drew from these athletes, many of whom were living with disabilities or had experienced life-altering injuries, was profound.
She describes the moment as one filled with goosebumps—realizing that she was not just part of a team, but part of a community of extraordinary individuals who inspire on an international scale.
In the fall of 2021 Jen’s rehab specialist introduced her to a member of the Sitting Volleyball team. After some long-distance communication and a Zoom visit, Jen was invited to practice with the BC members of Team Canada on her next trip to Vancouver for medical and rehab. By January 2022, Jen was practicing with the team and in February she was invited to a selection camp in Edmonton with her rest of the team. Within three days Jen was asked by the coach, “You have a passport right?”
By January 2022, she officially made the team, fully committing herself to the challenge. When asked if she had a valid passport, it was a clear sign that her journey was about to take her around the world—a journey she eagerly embraced.
Police Officer Training Helps Athletic Training
Balancing the intense demands of training for the Paralympic Games with her responsibilities as a Constable in the RCMP is no easy task. Jen credits her ability to manage this balance to a supportive network—her spouse, family, friends, and colleagues who stand by her side. Her regional coach, who is also a stay-at-home mom and runs a farm, offers the flexibility needed to fit training into her already busy life.
The physical and mental preparation required for both roles is strikingly similar. As a police officer, Jen is trained to be physically ready and adaptable, always prepared to tackle whatever challenges come her way. This mindset, combined with the tactical thinking honed in law enforcement, translates seamlessly into her approach to competition. In both arenas, the importance of a healthy mindset and the ability to remain focused under pressure are paramount.
Jen’s background as a certified personal trainer and nutritionist further enhances her approach to training and overall fitness. She is passionate about helping others, whether it’s through offering advice on training, well-being, or nutrition. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that being fit for life and duty is essential, and she is always eager to share her knowledge with those around her.
Triumph on the World Stage
A highlight of Jen’s athletic career so far is being part of Canada’s silver medal-winning team at the 2022 Sitting Volleyball World Championships. The moment brought immense pride. She also was a key player in helping her teammates qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games at the last chance tournament in Cairo. For Jen, the color of the medal wasn’t as important as the knowledge that she would be back to compete again in 2024.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes and Professionals
For those balancing demanding careers with competitive sports or other significant pursuits, Jen’s advice is simple yet profound: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
She believes that when you find something you love, everything else will fall into place. It’s important to care for yourself just as you would care for the people you love most, and to make time for what truly matters—those things that ignite the fire within.
Looking Ahead
In preparing for the 2024 Paralympic Games, Jen is fully aware of the physical toll her body has endured. Yet, she remains determined to continue competing, at least through the next Paralympic Games in 2028.
As Jen looks to the future, she is committed to finding a way to balance her dual roles as an elite athlete and a dedicated RCMP Constable. While she acknowledges the challenges of doing so in a small town with limited resources, she remains optimistic about the opportunities within the RCMP. The possibility of relocation offers her a way to continue both her service and her training at a high level. For her, the key is finding a path that allows her to excel in both areas of her life, staying true to her passion for both law enforcement and competitive sports.
Whether it’s on the court or in her role as a Constable, Jen McCreesh exemplifies what it means to be resilient, passionate, and committed to making the most of every opportunity life presents.