Ilona Maher: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Ilona Maher is a professional rugby player from the United States, known for her remarkable skills, powerful physique, and influential social media presence. She has become one of the most recognized faces in women’s rugby, gaining fame not only for her athletic achievements but also for her outspoken advocacy on body positivity, women’s sports, and mental health. Her journey from a young athlete to an Olympic rugby star and digital influencer is a story of perseverance, determination, and charisma.
- Age: 28 years
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1996
- Birth Place: Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Weight: 200 pounds (90 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Net Worth: between $1 million and $3 million
Ilona Maher’s Age and Date of Birth
Ilona Maher was born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, USA. As of February 2025, she is 28 years old.Her Leo zodiac sign reflects her leadership qualities, confidence, and energetic personality, which have been evident throughout her career in rugby and her public life.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
Ilona Maher grew up in a sports-oriented family that played a crucial role in shaping her athletic career. Her father, Michael Maher, was a former rugby player at Saint Michael’s College, which introduced her to the sport later in life. Her mother, Mieneke Maher, is an emergency room nurse with Dutch ancestry.She has two sisters, Olivia and Adrianna, who were also active in sports during their childhood. Growing up in Burlington, Ilona was naturally inclined toward athletics, participating in multiple sports, including field hockey, basketball, and soccer.
High School Career
Ilona attended Burlington High School, where she excelled in various sports. However, rugby was not initially part of her athletic endeavors. She was a star in field hockey and basketball, demonstrating her physical strength and agility at an early age.It wasn’t until she was 17 years old that she discovered rugby. Her father’s background in the sport played a significant role in her transition. Once she tried rugby, she fell in love with the physical and strategic aspects of the game, setting her on the path to a professional career.
College Education and Rugby Development
After graduating from high school, Ilona Maher initially attended Norwich University before transferring to Quinnipiac University, where she studied nursing. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in nursing, showcasing her academic dedication alongside her athletic career.At Quinnipiac University, Ilona became a rugby star, playing as a center and helping the team dominate the collegiate rugby scene. She played a pivotal role in leading her team to three consecutive National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championships.
Her impressive performances earned her multiple accolades, including:
- The MA Sorensen Award for National Player of the Year (2017)
- Most Outstanding Player at the NIRA Championships (2018)
Her college career set the stage for her transition to professional and international rugby.
Professional Rugby Career
Joining the USA Women’s National Rugby Team
Ilona Maher made her debut for the United States women’s national rugby sevens team in 2018, playing in her first match against Japan.Since then, she has been an integral part of the USA Rugby Sevens squad, representing the country in major international tournaments.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics
In 2021, Ilona competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (postponed due to COVID-19) as part of the USA Rugby Sevens team. While the team finished 6th, her on-field skills and off-field personality caught global attention.During the Olympics, she used TikTok and Instagram to document her experiences, creating funny and relatable content that went viral. Her engaging personality and humorous insights into Olympic life gained her millions of followers worldwide.
Paris 2024 Olympics and Medal Success
By 2024, Ilona had established herself as one of the most formidable players in USA women’s rugby. Her team participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they secured a bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in her career.Her performance was lauded for her powerful runs, defensive strength, and leadership on the field. This win further cemented her status as a top rugby athlete.
Other Rugby Achievements
Apart from the Olympics, Ilona has participated in:
- World Rugby Sevens Series
- Pan American Games
- Various international rugby tournaments
She continues to be one of the most recognizable and marketable players in women’s rugby.
Social Media Influence and Advocacy
Ilona Maher is not just a rugby star; she is also a social media sensation. She has millions of followers across platforms, including:
- TikTok: 1.5+ million followers
- Instagram: 500k+ followers
- Twitter/X: 100k+ followers
Her content focuses on:
- Behind-the-scenes moments of her rugby career
- Body positivity and self-confidence
- Women’s sports advocacy
- Humorous takes on daily life and athletic training
TEDx Talk and Advocacy
In 2022, Ilona delivered a TEDx Talk, where she discussed:
- The importance of body positivity in sports
- Overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations
- Encouraging young girls to embrace their athletic abilities
She has also partnered with brands that align with her values, such as Secret deodorant, promoting self-confidence and empowerment.
In 2024, she co-founded Medalist, a skincare brand designed for athletes, further expanding her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Ilona Maher’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024, Ilona Maher’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million.
Her sources of income include:
- Professional rugby salary (USA Rugby Sevens contract)
- Brand endorsements (Nike, Secret, skincare brands, etc.)
- Social media sponsorships
- Public speaking engagements (TEDx, events, etc.)
- Entrepreneurial ventures (Medalist skincare brand)
Her financial success reflects her ability to leverage her sports career into business and media opportunities.
Personal Life and Interests
Ilona is known for her bold, fun-loving personality and down-to-earth attitude.
Some of her hobbies include:
- Dancing and singing (often shared on TikTok)
- Adventure activities like jet skiing and hiking
- Fitness and weightlifting
- Traveling and trying new cuisines
Relationship Status
As of 2024, Ilona Maher is reportedly single. She has openly expressed her desire for a supportive partner who understands the demands of her rugby career. In October 2024, she jokingly mentioned in an interview that she was looking for someone to “hype her up and post cute Instagram pics”.She maintains a level of privacy about her personal relationships but continues to be open about her thoughts on dating and love.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Ilona Maher has several goals:
- Continue her rugby career and compete in upcoming international tournaments
- Expand her social media presence and engage in content creation
- Grow her business ventures in the health and wellness industry
- Promote women’s rugby and advocate for better representation in sports media
- Potentially explore entertainment (she joined “Dancing with the Stars” in 2024, hinting at more media opportunities)
Her multifaceted career suggests that she will continue to impact both sports and digital culture for years to come.
Conclusion
Ilona Maher is a force to be reckoned with—on and off the rugby field. With her athletic talent, engaging personality, and dedication to advocacy, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes and an influential public figure.As she continues to push the boundaries of women’s rugby and social media influence, Ilona Maher’s legacy in sports and entertainment will only grow stronger.
