History of Ilona Maher in Timeline

Ilona Maher is an American rugby union player who achieved prominence for winning a bronze medal with the United States in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In December 2024, she signed with the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby league and started playing for them in January 2025. She is considered a notable athlete in the sport of rugby.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 12, 1996: Ilona Maher's Birth

On August 12, 1996, Ilona Maher was born.

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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: Debut with USA Rugby World Cup Sevens team

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

2018: Graduated from Quinnipiac University

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

2018: Named Most Outstanding Player

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

2020: 2020 Tokyo Olympics

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

2020: Selection to Olympic Team

In 2020, Ilona Maher was chosen for her first Olympic team at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

2022: Represented USA at Rugby World Cup Sevens

In 2022, Ilona Maher represented the United States at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, helping the team reach the semifinals.

2023: Severe Injury and Pan American Games Gold

In 2023, Ilona Maher suffered a severe leg injury but recovered in time to help Team USA win gold at the Pan American Games.

July 2024: Threw first pitch at Padres game

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

August 2024: Sports Illustrated 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 a competitor on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Alan Bersten.

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November 26, 2024: Dancing with the Stars Runner-Up

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

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December 2024: Signed with Bristol Bears

In December 2024, Ilona Maher signed a three-month deal with Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby league in England. The unprecedented demand for tickets to see her debut led to the fixture being moved to Ashton Gate.