Ilona Maher, a member of the Center for Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens, grabbed the attention of sports fans on Sunday with a stunning display of power during a scoring run against Japan. This moment not only highlighted Maher’s incredible athleticism but also sparked newfound interest in rugby, especially women’s rugby, among U.S. sports enthusiasts, including former Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce. In a viral video, Maher enthusiastically recruited Kelce as a fan of women’s rugby, to which Kelce responded with equal enthusiasm, declaring his official support for women’s rugby and the Olympics. The contagious excitement spread as Maher celebrated, “We got Jason Kelce!”
The wave of support for women’s rugby continued to grow as Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry also expressed admiration for Maher after watching a video of her run. Henry praised Maher’s mindset, strength, and determination, applauding her for her tenacity in reaching the end zone. Maher continued to impress, delivering a stellar performance in the quarter-final match on Monday, contributing to Team USA’s impressive 17-7 win over Great Britain.
Eager anticipation surrounds Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens as they prepare for their semi-final match on Tuesday. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time that either the men’s or women’s American rugby team has advanced to the Olympics semifinals, further cementing Maher and her team as champions to root for in this groundbreaking Olympic campaign.
Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, Maher’s journey into rugby began at the age of 17, where she found a sport that resonated with her strength and competitive spirit. With a background in field hockey, basketball, and soccer, Maher quickly excelled in rugby, winning three championships with Quinnipiac University. She received numerous accolades, including being named to the NIRA All-American team for three consecutive years and earning the prestigious MA Sorensen Award in 2017 as the top collegiate women’s rugby player in the nation.
Maher’s impact extends beyond the rugby field, as she actively shares her Tokyo Olympic experience through a TedTalk, where she discusses the highs and lows of competition while providing a glimpse into life in the Olympic Village via TikTok. With a significant social media presence boasting 1.5 million followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok, Maher utilizes her platform to illuminate women’s rugby while championing body positivity. Through the #beastbeautybrains hashtag, Maher celebrates femininity alongside physical strength, beauty, and intelligence, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted qualities of female athletes.
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Maher addressed the prevailing social stereotypes surrounding women in sports, combating the notion that athletes cannot be feminine. She asserts, “I feel that I can be a beast, play this very physical and aggressive sport, and still keep my femininity while doing it.” Embracing the #beastbeautybrains mantra, Maher stands as a beacon of empowerment, redefining norms and championing the diverse attributes of female athletes. As the excitement mounts for the rugby medal matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics, all eyes are on Maher and Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens as they aim for a triumphant conclusion to their groundbreaking Olympic journey.
