Biography
Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher, born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, is an American rugby union player known for her powerhouse performances and vibrant personality both on and off the field. She began playing rugby at age 17, quickly transitioning from high school sports like field hockey and basketball into a rising star in collegiate and international rugby. Maher played center and prop in sevens, showcasing both strength and agility. A three-time NIRA champion at Quinnipiac University, she won the prestigious MA Sorensen Award in 2017.
After joining the national rugby sevens team in 2018, Maher competed at the highest levels, including the Olympics and Rugby World Cup Sevens. Known for her body positivity advocacy and social media presence, she has become a prominent voice for women in sport, all while balancing her career with a background in nursing and a master’s degree in business administration.
Teams Played For
- South Burlington School Rugby Football Club (2013–2014)
- Norwich University (2014–2015)
- Quinnipiac University (Bobcats) (2015–2018)
- Scion Rugby Academy (2017–2018)
- USA Women’s National Rugby Sevens Team (2018–Present)
- USA Women’s National XVs Team (2018–Present)
- Bristol Bears (Premiership Women’s Rugby) (2025–Present)
World Cups & Olympics Played
- 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo) – Rugby Sevens
- 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens (Cape Town)
- 2024 Summer Olympics (Paris) – Rugby Sevens (Bronze Medal)
Key Career Moments
- 2017 – Wins MA Sorensen Award as top U.S. collegiate women’s rugby player
- 2018 – Debuts with USA Rugby World Cup Sevens team in Paris
- 2020 – Represents the U.S. at Tokyo Olympics, scoring three tries
- 2022 – Helps Team USA reach the semifinals at the Rugby World Cup Sevens
- 2023 – Suffers serious leg injury but makes a remarkable comeback to win gold at the Pan American Games
- 2024 – Wins Olympic bronze medal in Paris; scores in all group stage matches
- 2024 – Becomes brand ambassador for Secret deodorant and co-founds skincare brand Medalist
- 2024 – Throws first pitch at a San Diego Padres game, appears in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, and is named to Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2025 – Joins Bristol Bears; scores first try in just her second match, playing before a record crowd
Personal Life
Ilona Maher was raised in Vermont by her Dutch mother and Irish-American father, a former rugby player himself. Inspired by her family’s sports background, she embraced athletics from a young age. Her sister, Olivia Maher, is a well-known content creator credited with coining the viral term “girl dinner.”
Off the field, Maher champions body positivity, using her large social media platform to challenge stereotypes and promote self-love. With a degree in nursing and an MBA under her belt, Maher combines athleticism, intelligence, and influence, making her one of the most inspiring figures in modern rugby.