Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher: From Vermont Roots to Rugby Stardom

Early Life and Background

Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher was born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, USA. She is the middle child of Michael and Mieneke Maher. Her mother, originally from the Netherlands, is a nurse, while her father, of Irish descent, played rugby at Saint Michael's College. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Maher was encouraged to participate in various sports, including softball, soccer, and basketball, before discovering rugby at the age of 17 .​

Education and Collegiate Rugby Career

Maher attended Burlington High School and initially enrolled at Norwich University, where she played rugby for a year. She later transferred to Quinnipiac University to pursue a degree in nursing. At Quinnipiac, Maher became a standout player for the Bobcats, leading the team to three consecutive National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championships. She was named to the NIRA All-American team each year and received the MA Sorensen Award in 2017, recognizing her as the nation's top collegiate women's rugby player .​

Professional Rugby Career

Maher's impressive collegiate performance caught the attention of national selectors, and she made her debut for the U.S. women's national rugby sevens team in 2018 at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco. She represented the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and again at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she helped the team secure a historic bronze medal—the first Olympic medal for U.S. rugby sevens .​

In December 2024, Maher signed a short-term contract with the Bristol Bears in England's Premiership Women's Rugby league, marking her transition from sevens to the 15-a-side format. Her move aimed to bolster her chances of selection for the U.S. Women's Eagles squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England .​

Social Media Influence and Advocacy

Beyond the rugby field, Maher has become a prominent social media personality, amassing over 4.7 million followers on Instagram and 3.4 million on TikTok. Her engaging content, often highlighting behind-the-scenes moments at major tournaments and promoting body positivity, has resonated with a broad audience. Maher uses her platform to advocate for women's sports and to challenge traditional beauty standards in athletics .​

Personal Life and Interests

Maher's sister, Olivia, is a social media content creator known for coining the term "girl dinner" on TikTok . In her personal time, Maher enjoys exploring new coffee shops, going on walks, and bullet journaling . She continues to inspire many with her dedication to rugby and her efforts to promote inclusivity and positivity both on and off the field.​