Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher is a Team USA Rugby Sevens bronze medalist and two-time Olympian, having represented the United States in Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020. Maher is a viral sensation across social media for sharing her authentic and witty journey as a professional female athlete to help grow the game of rugby and promote body appreciation. She lives and trains in San Diego with the USA Rugby Sevens team, traveling the world competing in the international HSBC Sevens Series. An avid foodie and fashion enthusiast, she enjoys entertainment broadcasting opportunities and sharing her life with her 6 million followers across social media.

Originally from Burlington, Vermont, Maher received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Quinnipiac University, where she lead their rugby team to three national championships, and her Master of Business Administration from Keller School of Management. She is know for rocking a bold lip and being unapologetically herself, and is dedicated to helping others learn to love who they are as well.

The chance to play and share rugby on the Olympic level has helped Maher embody her personal mantra and hashtag, Beast Beauty Brains, and has opened doors for youth outreach. She uses her platforms to promote feeling one’s absolute best while being one’s authentic self – all while finding a sport one loves. An ambassador for ChildFund Rugby, an organization that uses integrated rugby and life skills to help young people from vulnerable communities across the world overcome challenges, Maher traveled to Laos to help in their mission of inspiring positive social change. She has also raised thousands of dollars domestically for the youth rugby organization, Girls Rugby Inc., by selling her branded Beast Beauty Brains merchandise and donating 100% of proceeds from the collection to the organization that works to empower more girls to see themselves as leaders and help them build the confidence they need to thrive.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN: Burlington, Vermont
BIRTHDATE: August 12