Ilona Maher, a standout center for Team USA Women’s Rugby Sevens, has become a social media sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. On Sunday, Maher electrified the crowd with a powerful stiff-arm maneuver during a scoring run against Japan. Her athletic prowess not only captivated fans but also sparked a surge of interest in women’s rugby across the U.S., including from retired NFL stars.
In a viral moment, Maher playfully engaged retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who responded with enthusiasm, declaring, “I am officially a fan of women’s rugby, Olympics.” The interaction, which saw Maher celebrating with a triumphant, “We got Jason Kelce!” was met with cheers and highlighted the growing excitement around women’s rugby.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry also joined in the praise, commenting on Maher’s impressive performance, “Oh yeah, she’s got it. Mindset, running strong and hard, not trying to go down. Get to the end zone by any means. I love it.” Maher’s performance continued to shine in the quarter-final, helping Team USA secure a 17-7 victory over Great Britain.
As the team prepares for their semi-final match on Tuesday, there is renewed enthusiasm for women’s rugby. This marks the first time either the men’s or women’s American rugby teams have reached the Olympics semifinals.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, Maher discovered rugby at 17, finding a sport that matched her competitive spirit and athleticism. With a background in field hockey, basketball, and soccer, and influenced by her father, a former collegiate rugby player, Maher quickly made her mark. She won three championships with Quinnipiac University, earned a spot on the NIRA All-American team for three years, and was awarded the MA Sorensen Award in 2017 as the top collegiate women’s rugby player.
After graduating in 2018, Maher made her international debut against Japan in Paris and has since represented the U.S. in rugby sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the ongoing Paris 2024 Games.
