Ilona Maher entered 2025 with major career energy. After signing a three-month contract with the Bristol Bears in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby, she spent early January sharpening her game ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this August.
Her move overseas followed a standout year marked by Olympic bronze at Paris 2024 and reaching 4.6 million followers who support her authenticity and drive. With women’s rugby on the rise, Ilona’s name remains front and center.
Who Is Ilona Maher Dating?
Ilona Maher has no boyfriend in 2025. She has openly embraced her single status, focusing fully on her athletic goals and personal growth.
Rather than pursuing a relationship, she’s channeling her energy into training, leadership, and her expanding influence on and off the pitch. Her transparency about being single challenges traditional expectations and empowers fans who relate to her message of independence.
Her Journey to Rugby Stardom
Ilona Maher was born on February 24, 1997, and grew up in Williston, Vermont. Standing 5 feet 10 inches and weighing around 185 pounds, she brings power and agility to her role as a center.
She discovered rugby in college at St. Michael’s College, quickly becoming a standout player before joining the USA Eagles. Her combination of physicality, game IQ, and intensity makes her one of the sport’s most recognizable faces.
Off the field, Ilona uses her platform to advocate for body confidence and mental wellness. She’s known for speaking candidly about self-love, showing that strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Her leadership helped propel Team USA to their Olympic bronze in 2024, a milestone that cemented her place in American sports history.
Family Roots That Keep Her Grounded
Ilona often credits her family for shaping her work ethic and resilience. Her parents, Julie and Michael Maher, raised her on values of determination and kindness.
Julie works as a nurse, while Michael works in construction, bringing practicality and grit into their household. Their support has been evident from youth sports to Olympic stages, and Ilona frequently shares appreciation posts about them.
She also shares a close bond with her sister, Emma, who cheers her on from behind the scenes. Together, they maintain a strong family unit that helps Ilona stay balanced, even through demanding competition schedules. While Ilona isn’t planning for children anytime soon, she treasures the family foundation that keeps her centered.
Her Experience on Dancing With the Stars
In 2024, Ilona stepped into a different spotlight when she joined Dancing With the Stars alongside professional dancer Alan Bersten. The show gave her a chance to blend athletic power with artistic expression, earning praise for her confidence and willingness to try something new.
Their chemistry sparked fan speculation about a potential romance, but Ilona and Alan kept things strictly professional. Their connection was rooted in teamwork and mutual respect, not dating.
Ilona later reflected on how the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone and strengthened her self-belief. It allowed fans to see a new side of her personality beyond rugby.
From Olympic Success to World Cup Preparation
Ilona’s Olympic bronze from Paris 2024 remains a defining moment in her career. She carried that momentum into her training with the Bristol Bears to sharpen her skills for the World Cup.
Despite the USA Eagles facing a challenging knockout in recent qualifiers, she continues to prepare intensely for the season ahead. Her recent appearances at women’s sports events, mingling with volleyball and netball pros, show her commitment to elevating women’s athletics as a whole.
Her social media presence remains uplifting, offering fitness tips, training clips, and motivational reflections. Fans appreciate her blend of humor, honesty, and passion for her craft.
Life Off the Field: Strength, Wellness & Balance
Away from competition, Ilona prioritizes wellness through strength training, recovery routines, and yoga. She encourages fans to focus on body appreciation rather than numbers on a scale.
Regular check-ins with family, laughter with friends, and downtime outdoors keep her centered. She’s also exploring new ways to mentor younger athletes, hoping to inspire future generations through guidance and empowerment.
While she’s not seeking a relationship right now, Ilona maintains a clear vision for her future—one built on purpose, connection, and authenticity.
Conclusion
Ilona Maher’s story in 2025 is one of independence, ambition, and heart. Her single status reflects a conscious choice to pursue her athletic dreams while staying rooted in self-love and family support.
As she prepares for the World Cup and continues to inspire millions, Ilona stands as a model of strength—both physically and emotionally. Fans will be cheering her on every step of the way, celebrating not just the athlete, but the woman behind the game.