Nurse, Rugby Olympian, DWTS Finalist, Influencer: The Unstoppable Rise of Ilona Maher
In an era where multifaceted careers are becoming increasingly common, Ilona Maher stands out as a shining example of how women can excel in diverse fields simultaneously. As a registered nurse, Olympic rugby player, TikTok influencer, Dancing with the Stars finalist, AND advocate for body positivity, Maher is breaking barriers and redefining what success looks like in the 21st century.
From Rugby Field to Nursing School: A Unique Path to Success
Ilona Maher's journey to success began on the rugby field. She started playing rugby at the age of 17 and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. During her time at Quinnipiac University, Maher led her team to three National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) titles, showcasing her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Her outstanding performance earned her the MA Sorensen Award in 2017, recognizing her as the best women's college rugby player in the United States.
Maher's ambitions extended beyond the rugby pitch though. In 2018, she graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in nursing, demonstrating her commitment to both athletic excellence and academic achievement. At school, Maher was active in the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Intraprofessional Emergency Medicine Interest Group, and the Quinnipiac Student Nurses Association.
She continued her educational pursuits, earning a master's degree in business administration from DeVry University in 2022. This combination of athletics, healthcare knowledge and business acumen has undoubtedly contributed to her success across various fields and platforms.
Representing the USA on the World Stage
Maher's rugby career continued to flourish beyond her college years. She represented the United States at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she and her team secured a bronze medal. This achievement not only solidified her status as a world-class athlete but also brought increased attention to women's rugby in the United States.
While Maher's athletic achievements are impressive on their own, her impact extends far beyond the rugby field. She has leveraged social media platforms to become one of the most influential figures in rugby worldwide. With over 3 million followers on TikTok and 5 million on Instagram, Maher has surpassed the follower counts of other notable rugby stars like Siya Kolisi and Sonny Bill Williams.
Her engaging content, which includes behind-the-scenes videos of her life as an athlete along with short, humorous sketches, has resonated with audiences far beyond the traditional rugby fanbase. This digital influence has not only raised the profile of women's rugby but has also opened up new opportunities for Maher in the world of brand partnerships and entrepreneurship.
@ilonamaher and yet i served @paris2024 @Ralph Lauren @Team USA ♬ original sound - Noelia (Glee Cast Version)
Advocating for Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance
One of the most impactful aspects of Maher's social media presence is her advocacy for body positivity. Using her platform, she consistently promotes the message that all body types are worthy and beautiful. This message has struck a chord with her followers, contributing to her influence beyond the sports world and into broader conversations about self-acceptance and societal beauty standards.
As long as haters keep saying dumb stuff, I’m gonna keep clapping back
@ilonamaher Seen yourself in these athletes @paris2024 @Team USA @Olympics #olympics ♬ original sound - Ilona Maher
Sports Illustrated even recognized her as their cover model in September 2024 with the aptly titled headline, "Beast. Beauty. Brains." The entrepreneur now sells merch with the same phrase 💜.
Maher's advocacy work demonstrates how athletes can use their platforms to address important social issues while also making money, further expanding the definition of success to include positive social impact.
Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Dancing with the Stars Finalist
Maher's success has translated into various entrepreneurial ventures. She has secured promotional deals with major brands such as Secret deodorant, L'Oreal cosmetics, and New Era headwear. In addition, Maher co-founded a skincare line called Medalist with former swimmer Ann Ragan Kearns. These partnerships not only showcase her marketability but also demonstrate how athletes can leverage their personal brand for business success.
Maher has also ventured into public speaking, delivering a TEDx talk in 2022 titled “The Olympics, TikTok, and how to get back up after falling short.” This platform has allowed her to share her unique perspectives and experiences with a wider audience, further cementing her status as a multifaceted role model for women.
Most recently, and perhaps most impressively, Maher was a finalist on Dancing with the Stars. She and her partner, Alan Bersten, were known for performances characterized by emotional depth and technical skill loved by judges and fans alike. And even in this new dancing world, she broke gender norms by becoming the first female partner to lift her male partner during a performance, challenging traditional dance roles and showcasing her strength.
After finishing second in Season 33 of the reality competition, Maher recently announced her signing with the Bristol Bears in England's Premiership Women's Rugby League, marking a significant next step in her athletic career.
A Multidimensional Role Model for Nurses, Athletes, and Entrepreneurs
Ilona Maher’s journey proves that there is no singular path to success, especially for women in today’s world. By blending her skills and passions across nursing, sports, business, and social media, Maher has built a unique and inspiring career that challenges traditional definitions of success. Her advocacy for body positivity and her willingness to break barriers in multiple fields, including her work with brands and her role as a public speaker, demonstrates the limitless potential women have when they embrace their diverse talents.
