Ilona Maher is opening up about her most recent gig with Sports Illustrated and being a role model for girls who love sports.

On June 3, the 28-year-old rugby player appeared on TODAY with Jenna & Friends to discuss her recent projects. These include her walking at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show on May 31, less than a year after she appeared as the cover star for Sports Illustrated’s digital September issue in 2024.

"It was amazing," Maher said of her collaborations with the sports magazine before recalling some of the reactions she's received.

On May 31, Ilona Maher walks the runway for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami Beach, Florida. John Parra / Getty Images

"Somebody asked me, like, 'Was it tough being a swimsuit?'" Maher recalled.

"I love

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