(NEXSTAR)— Women’s Rugby Sevens player, Ilona Maher, says the sport has given her a “new outlook on life” and helped her see what she is capable of. The 27-year-old from Burlington, Vermont is hopeful to make the team and win a medal in Paris this summer.
“I love the physicality of it, I love that these women are encouraged to be as physical as possible,” Maher said at the U.S. Olympic Media Summit earlier this month.
Maher competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the U.S. Sevens team. Rugby sevens is where seven players play seven-minute halves, instead of the usual 15 players playing 40-minute halves.
Maher talked about her love for rugby and the impact it’s had on her life.
“It’s really important for me because it just gives you a new outlook on life, gives you a new outlook on, you know, exercise, and food, and life and happiness,” Maher said.
Maher was discovered by U.S. Rugby coaches Richie Walker and Emilie Bydwell while playing with Scion Rugby Club. She debuted on the U.S. team in the Paris 2018 Sevens tournament.
Team rugby rosters for both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams will be announced in June.
