Ilona Maher, a 29-year-old American rugby star, is using her significant social media presence to bring unprecedented attention to women's rugby. With over eight million followers, she has transcended the sport in a way that is being compared to how Mia Hamm popularized women's football. Maher's success extends beyond the rugby field, as she has …
How Ilona Maher is Elevating Women’s Rugby
Ilona Maher, a 29-year-old American rugby star, is using her significant social media presence to bring unprecedented attention to women’s rugby. With over eight million followers, she has transcended the sport in a way that is being compared to how Mia Hamm popularized women’s football. Maher’s success extends beyond the rugby field, as she has appeared in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition and on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. Her influence has even attracted a $4 million investment from Michele Kang to develop the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens Team.
A Champion for Body Positivity
Maher’s popularity is fueled by her push for body positivity. She uses her platform to show girls and women that athletic bodies are strong and beautiful. In one of her more reflective posts, she said, “I want girls to see what their body is capable of. It’s not just to be looked at, objectified, but it’s strong and it’s fast, and it’s brilliant.” This message has resonated with a global audience, making her a brand ambassador for various products and earning her the affectionate nickname “America’s sweetheart.”
The Power of Not “Toning It Down”
Maher’s confidence is rooted in a crucial life lesson from her father, who was a keen rugby player himself. He once told her never to “tone it down” after another father complained about her unhittable pitches in a softball game. This lesson has guided her career, and her refusal to “tone it down” has proven to be a major asset for women’s rugby. As New Zealand legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe said, having someone as vocal and confident as Maher is “amazing” for the sport.
