Ilona Maher, the US Olympic rugby sevens star from Vermont, is set to join the cast of *Dancing With the Stars*, ABC announced on Wednesday. At 28, Maher’s impressive journey continues with this exciting new challenge.

“It feels like a cool rite of passage,” Maher shared with USA Today. “Many of my Olympic idols, like Simone Biles and Suni Lee, have been on the show. It’s an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn a new skill.”

Maher will compete alongside a diverse group of celebrities including actors Tori Spelling and Eric Roberts, former NFL player Danny Amendola, former NBA star Dwight Howard, fellow Olympic medalist and gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, and Anna Delvey, the Russian-born con artist known for her high-profile criminal convictions.

Despite speculation, Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles NFL player who has publicly supported Maher and the US women’s rugby team, was not confirmed as a cast member.

Before the Olympics, Maher was already a notable figure in American rugby, but her profile skyrocketed after helping the US women’s team secure a bronze medal at the Stade de France in July. As the most-followed rugby player globally, Maher has celebrated her birthday on *NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers*, posed for a Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot, and made headlines with her endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Reflecting on her new role, Maher said, “Rugby is all about going full force and using your body to its limits. We’ll see how my rugby skills translate to dancing. My ballroom skills are non-existent, but hopefully, my fun vibe can carry over into the dance floor.”

Excited about the “glitz and glam” of the show, she added, “I love dressing up, so wearing sparkles and sequins will be really fun.”

Publicity shots for the 33rd season of *Dancing With the Stars* feature Maher with her partner, Alan Bersten. In one image, both display their biceps proudly.

At 5ft 10in and 200 pounds, Maher is renowned for her powerful presence on the field. Her impressive performances have earned her headlines like “America Has a Breakout Star of the Olympics – and She Plays Like an NFL Running Back.”

Maher began playing rugby in high school in Vermont, went on to win three US national titles with Quinnipiac University, and first represented the US in sevens rugby in 2018. She has competed in two Olympics and recently expressed her goal of joining the US squad for the Rugby World Cup in England next year.

On social media, Maher advocates for body positivity and inclusivity. She recently told NBC that rugby has boosted her body confidence and hopes it will inspire other girls. “Rugby has shown me what my body is capable of, beyond just being looked at or objectified,” she said.

Maher and Bersten recently shared rehearsal clips on TikTok, with Maher expressing her excitement about working with her dance partner. Bersten also voiced his enthusiasm, stating, “So grateful to be doing this with Ilona Maher. Let’s go!”