Sport

Ilona Maher Is Making Confidence the New Norm

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

Image by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

Image by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

IIlona Maher is a two-time Team USA Rugby Olympian known for her fearless play and viral presence off the field. Blending athleticism with unfiltered humor, she challenges body stereotypes and champions confidence, authenticity, and freedom in women’s sports.

The Shift:

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

Ilona:

I hope to leave a legacy that shows young people you don’t need to choose between academic excellence and athletic achievement. For me, they supported each other. Being challenged in the classroom helped me raise my expectations for myself, [and gave] me an outlet to [de-stress] from track. Even now, it’s important to balance my time between being an Olympic-level athlete, giving back to my community, and nurturing my interests in public health. You can be so many things at once. Don’t let anyone define or limit you.

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Ilona Maher is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.