Team USA rugby star Ilona Maher has publicly condemned her alma mater, Quinnipiac University, following the school's decision to transition its women's rugby team from varsity status to a club program. The university cited long-term competitive, financial, and Title IX objectives for the change.
Maher expressed her outrage on social media, posting "Shame on you" and tagging the university. Reports suggest the move will impact scholarships for the student-athletes, with concerns raised about their ability to afford continued education at Quinnipiac without athletic aid.
The university stated the realignment aims to redirect varsity resources to programs with greater stability and strategic alignment, while also adding a men's distance running program. Quinnipiac Athletics assured support for a smooth transition for the club team.
Maher, a decorated former Quinnipiac player who helped the team to three championships and earned national accolades, recently contributed to Team USA's historic bronze medal win at the Women's Rugby World Cup.