Early Life and Athletic Beginnings 

Born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher grew up immersed in sports. Encouraged by her parents, she played field hockey, basketball, and softball throughout her childhood (The Phoenix). Reflecting on those early years, Maher shared,  

“What was so great about my upbringing is that my dad and my mom never told me to tone things down. I remember in one game, I was pitching too fast, and [in] another dad told me to slow things down. [Then] My dad said, ‘No, don’t change anything” (the50athletes).  

At age 17, inspired by her father’s background in rugby, Maher picked up the sport and immediately felt it fit her “body like a glove” (People).  

Figure 2. Maher playing rugby her senior year of high school.
Photo Credit: Maher’s Instagram

Maher began her collegiate rugby career at Norwich University, then transferred to Quinnipiac University, where she quickly emerged as a standout player (The Phoenix). For three consecutive years, she earned a spot on the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) All-American Team and helped her team secure three straight NIRA championships. She also earned the title of Most Outstanding Player in the NIRA championship tournament. While excelling on the field, she completed her bachelor's degree in nursing, balancing intense athletic commitment with academic discipline. 

After graduating, Maher joined the USA Rugby World Cup Sevens team in 2018. She then represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and continued to compete at the highest levels in the sport. In 2022, she returned to the Rugby World Cup Sevens, and by 2024, she helped lead Team USA to a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics—the first Olympic medal for the U.S. women's rugby sevens team (The Phoenix). ​ 

Figure 3. Maher playing for Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Photo Credit: SPLASH 

Advocacy and Social Media Influence

Maher began using TikTok and Instagram during the Tokyo Olympics to spotlight rugby as an underrepresented sport and to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in the Olympic Village. After the U.S. team fell short of medaling in Tokyo, she shifted her content to focus on broader issues in sports—speaking out about the mental health of Olympic athletes, body positivity, and the challenges women faced in professional athletics (Ted). 

By the time the 2024 Paris Olympics arrived, Maher had continued building her digital presence, earning not only a bronze medal but also a social media following of over 2.1 million. In the months following the Games, her reach exploded, growing to more than nine million followers across Instagram and TikTok. She used her platform to challenge stereotypes about female athletes and to advocate for inclusivity in sports. Her honest discussions about pay inequities in women’s rugby and different body types empowered a new generation of athletes to embrace self-advocacy and authenticity. Maher emphasized the importance of body representation, saying, “It’s important for girls to see me out there showing that with this frame, with my broad shoulders, being big can be beautiful, and it doesn’t take away from your femininity (People).” 

​In a 2025 CNN interview, Maher rejected the idea of imposter syndrome, stating, “It’s okay to be proud of what you’ve done. It’s okay to believe you deserve something because you’ve put in the work for it (CNN).” In a video posted on Instagram on  October 26, 2022, she spoke directly to young women about self-love and body positivity. On March 10, 2025, she shared a video of herself lifting weights, sending a powerful message that strength and femininity go hand in hand. 

Expanding Her Reach 

By proudly embracing her body in the September 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Maher not only represented her sport but also empowered women to celebrate their strength and reject limiting beauty standards.

Figure 4. Ilona Maher was photographed by Ben Watts in Bellport, New York. Swimsuit by Haus of Pink Lemonaid.
Photo Credit: Ben Watts, Sports Illustrated 

Maher later expanded her career into entertainment. She competed in Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, reached the finale, and finished as runner-up. She dedicated her final freestyle performance to highlighting both her femininity and her identity as a rugby player. 

Highlights and awards  

Maher earned widespread recognition for her advocacy and influential media presence. Forbes named her to its 30 under 30 list (2025) and USA TODAY honored her as one of its Women of the Year (2025).  

In December 2024, she signed a three-month contract with the Bristol Bears, joining the Premiership Women’s Rugby League and marking another major milestone in her athletic career.