Ilona Maher shares her hopes for love and the qualities she seeks in a partner.
Maher has emerged as one of America’s most prominent rugby players, making history with her remarkable achievements on and off the field.
Born on August 12, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, Maher’s journey to rugby stardom began at age 17 when she traded her softball cleats for rugby boots at her father’s suggestion.
Her natural talent quickly became evident at Quinnipiac University, where she clinched three National Intercollegiate Rugby Association championships and earned the prestigious MA Sorensen Award in 2017.
Her collegiate success paved the way for her international career, representing the United States at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped secure a historic bronze medal – Team USA’s first Olympic medal in the sport.
Beyond the field, Maher has become a social media phenomenon, using her platform to advocate for body positivity and women’s sports.
Her influence has earned her numerous accolades, including appearances in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition and a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list.
Most recently, she signed with Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women’s Rugby League, where she continues to break records and draw unprecedented crowds.
Ilona Maher Humorously Addresses Romance Rumors With Her Dancing with the Stars Partner
While Ilona Maher’s professional achievements continue to soar, her romantic life has remained relatively quiet.
The Olympic bronze medalist has been refreshingly honest about her dating status, admitting in a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine that she hasn’t been on a date “in years.”
Her busy schedule, packed with Olympic training, professional rugby matches, and, most recently, Dancing with the Stars performances, has left little time for romantic pursuits.
However, Maher approaches this aspect of her life with the same humor and authenticity that has made her a social media sensation.
During her participation in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, fans eagerly speculated about a potential romance between Maher and her dance partner, Alan Bersten.
The pair’s undeniable chemistry on the dance floor sparked widespread “shipping” from viewers.
However, Maher addressed these rumors directly, telling E! News,
“We see it all over. And honestly, keep doing it, people. We love it.”
Via E! News
She clarified that while she loves Alan, it’s the same kind of love she has for her teammates – a deep, platonic bond built on mutual respect and shared experiences.
When it comes to her ideal partner, Maher has been clear about what she’s looking for.
She desires someone who can match her quick wit and engage in playful banter.
More importantly, she seeks a partner who would be secure enough to handle her success and be genuinely proud of her achievements. As she told PEOPLE,
“I’ve never really had somebody who’s come to my rugby games. Somebody who’s really proud to see me shine and wants me to keep growing — someone who shows me off.”
Via People
Her approach to finding love remains grounded and authentic.
While she occasionally jokes about hoping for DMs from NFL players or billionaires, Maher maintains a realistic and patient outlook on romance.
She’s expressed openness to trying dating apps in the future but isn’t rushing to find love, preferring to focus on her flourishing career and the genuine connections she shares with her family, teammates, and friends.
This balanced perspective on relationships aligns perfectly with her overall message of self-acceptance and authenticity that has resonated with millions of followers across her social media platforms.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Her older sister Olivia has made her own mark in social media, gaining recognition as the content creator who popularized the term “girl dinner” on TikTok.
- When faced with a severe injury in 2023 (a dislocated tibia and broken fibula from a training collision), Maher demonstrated remarkable resilience by recovering in time to help Team USA secure gold at the Pan American Games.
- She made history on Dancing with the Stars as the first female contestant to lift her male partner during a performance, showcasing her unique strength and breaking traditional dance norms.
