With 25 seconds left in the Rugby Sevens Bronze Medal Match in the 2024 Rugby Sevens Olympic Tournament, Team USA found their backs against the wall down 12-7. The situation was dire as they sought out their first Olympic rugby medal in team history in Paris. 

The team needed the equivalent of a Hail Mary, in football, to keep their hopes alive. That’s when Ariana Ramsey, a veteran wing, passed the ball to center Alex Sedrick and the rest was history. Sedrick broke an Australian tackle and saw nothing but green grass ahead of her. She scored a game-tying try to save the U.S.

However, the U.S. had to halt their celebrations for a moment, as the conversion was still pending. What seemed to be a challenge for most players in the tournament was not a challenge for Sedrick. She converted on her spot kick and sent the nation into jubilation. 

The team had unprecedented support from around the country. This included the ever-present Bobcat Nation, who saw one of their own, Ilona Maher, win the bronze medal.

Let’s rewind a bit now, as I’m sure you’re all wondering how she got here. Maher has faced her fair share of high-level competition throughout her career. But how did she become one of the most famous rugby players in the entire nation?

Winning the Bobcats’ first national championship in any sport wasn’t the only goal Maher accomplished in her illustrious career. She also became one of the greatest US internationals in the young history of rugby sevens.

Before winning another first in rugby for one of her teams, she got off to a blazing start with Team USA. She finished fourth in the 2018 World Championships. Maher followed that up with her Olympic debut in 2020 finishing sixth with Team USA. Additionally, she would finish with another fourth-place world championship finish in 2022 and her latest (and possibly greatest) accomplishment winning Bronze just a few days ago at the Stade de France in Paris. 

These Olympics were different for Maher, however, as the eyes of the nation were on the women’s rugby sevens squad more than ever. A medal was also within sight for the team’s members after so many finishes just outside the podium at international tournaments. 

The Eagles, Team USA’s nickname from their crest, opened their campaign with two statement wins, one by 29 points against Japan and another by 19 against Brazil before dropping their first match to the hosts, France by 17. 

These Eagles were tough to keep down. They came back with a statement win against the United Kingdom, founders of rugby, by 10 points before their semifinal matchup.

New Zealand proved too much to handle for Team USA. They lost in the semifinals to one of the most dominant teams in the sport, the Black Ferns, by 12 points. 

One game remained in the Eagles’ Olympic flight as they took on Australia in the Bronze medal match. They took their second-straight win against the Wallaroos and clinched the US’s first medal in any Olympic rugby competition.

Their on-pitch performance wasn’t the only thing tracking eyes to the Eagles as Maher’s internet presence shot her into stardom.

Maher has seen her follower count grow tremendously since the games started in Paris. A massive million-follower gain has seen Maher become the most-followed rugby player on Instagram. She has about 2.8 million followers currently. Top that off with 2.1 million TikTok followers and Maher is clearly a new sensation. 

Maher uses her platform to create engaging and entertaining content, showing behind the scenes of an Olympic athlete. Her relatable content and sense of humor have brought people from around the world to her pages.

Gaining traction during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Maher has continued to ride a wave of momentum. She uses her platform to shine a light on serious topics, including self-love, confidence and body positivity. 

“All body types are worthy, from the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player. From a rugby player to a shot putter and a sprinter,” Maher said in a recent Instagram reel. “All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things, so truly see yourself in these athletes and know that you can do it too.” 

Many celebrities are also taking notice of the growth of women’s rugby with Maher at the forefront. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Jason Kelce have become fans of Maher during these games. Kelce even sported a button-down shirt with her face plastered all over.

Despite the fame, Maher hasn’t forgotten where she came from, as she continues to show her gratitude to Quinnipiac. “I think the most rewarding part was that I was able to play rugby and win three championships, but also get a degree in nursing. I didn’t have to choose being a great student or being a great athlete, I could do both,” Maher said in a recent interview with the NCAA.

Despite the fame and success Maher and her team have drawn, the job remains clear for Team USA. To grow the game and show the world what an underdog nation can do. While silver and gold still evade the Eagles at both the World Championships and the Olympics, the shine of those medals’ reflections twinkles in the eyes of fans, players and coaches. They understand how much this team has done, is doing and can do for USA Rugby in just a few years.