History of Ilona Maher in Timeline

Ilona Maher is a multifaceted personality known for her presence in social media, podcasting, reality television, and professional rugby union. While previously a professional rugby player, as of early 2026, she is not actively playing and has no announced plans to return to the sport. Despite her temporary departure from rugby, Maher remains engaged as an online personality, maintaining her connection with the public through various digital platforms.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 12, 1996: Ilona Maher's birth

On August 12, 1996, Ilona Maher was born. She later became a social media personality, podcast host, reality TV star, and professional rugby union player.

Others born on this day/year

2017: MA Sorensen Award

In 2017, Ilona Maher received the MA Sorensen Award, given to the nation's top collegiate women's rugby player.

2018: Debut for United States national team

In 2018, Ilona Maher debuted for the United States national team.

2018: Graduated from Quinnipiac University

In 2018, Ilona Maher graduated from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor's degree in nursing.

2018: Debut with USA Rugby World Cup Sevens team

In 2018, Ilona Maher made her debut with the USA Rugby World Cup Sevens team at a Women's SVNS tournament in Paris.

2018: Most Outstanding Player at the NIRA Championships

In 2018, Ilona Maher was named the Most Outstanding Player at the NIRA Championships.

2020: Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Ilona Maher represented the United States at the Tokyo Olympics.

2022: Selected to represent the United States at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens

Ilona Maher was selected to represent the United States at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, where she helped the national team reach the semifinals.

2023: Severe injury during training

In 2023, Ilona Maher sustained a severe injury from a collision during a training session. She dislocated her tibia and broke her fibula, but recovered in time to help Team USA win gold at the Pan American Games.

July 2024: First pitch at a San Diego Padres game

In July 2024, Ilona Maher threw out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game.

August 2024: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover

In August 2024, Ilona Maher posed for the cover of the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.

September 2024: Dancing with the Stars

In September 2024, Ilona Maher was announced as one of the celebrities competing on season 33 of the reality television series Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Alan Bersten.

Loading Video...

November 26, 2024: Runner-up on Dancing with the Stars

On November 26, 2024, Ilona Maher and her partner finished as the runners-up on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars.

Loading Video...

December 2024: Forbes 30 under 30

In December 2024, Ilona Maher made the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

December 2024: Signs for Bristol Bears

In December 2024, Ilona Maher signed for Bristol Bears in England’s Premiership Women's Rugby league on a three-month deal until the end of the season, marking her transition from rugby sevens to 15-player rugby union.

2024: Bronze at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

In 2024, Ilona Maher helped lead the United States to a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in Paris. She scored tries in all three of their group stage matches.

2024: Paris Olympics

In 2024, Ilona Maher represented the United States at the Paris Olympics.

2024: Brand ambassador

In 2024, Ilona Maher was announced as a brand ambassador for Secret deodorant, as well as a skincare brand that she co-founded, Medalist.

January 2025: Contract begins with Bristol Bears

Ilona Maher's contract with Bristol Bears officially began in January 2025. Due to high ticket demand, the fixture was moved to Ashton Gate to accommodate a larger crowd.

January 2025: Began playing for Bristol Bears

In January 2025, Ilona Maher began playing for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby league.

April 2025: Return to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition

In April 2025, it was announced that Ilona Maher would return to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

July 2025: Selected for U.S. women’s national rugby XVs team

In July 2025, Ilona Maher was selected for the U.S. women’s national rugby XVs team to compete in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England the following month. She played in all three games of the pool stage.

July 2025: ESPY Award

In July 2025, at the ESPY Awards, Ilona Maher was named the Best Breakthrough Athlete of the year.

February 2026: Maher's status as of February 2026

As of February 2026, Ilona Maher is currently not playing rugby and has not announced any plans to return to the game, but has remained active as an online personality.