Ilona Maher just shared a tearful farewell to the Bristol Bears rugby team. “That was my last game in the PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby),” the American athlete, 28, said in a video posted to Instagram on Monday, March 3. “I’m so honored to have played with the Bristol Bears — the most welcoming, nicest team I could have joined.” The Olympic rugby bronze medalist first announced she was playing across the pond last December. On Jan. 5, Maher made her British debut before her contact concluded with Sunday's Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) match against Gloucester-Hartpury at Queensholm. In the goodbye message, the Dancing with the Stars alum tripped over her words as she spoke about the changing landscape of her sport. “Women’s rugby is changing, and it’s really, I think, making the world and people better — a better place. I don’t know what I’m saying, but please keep coming out,” she said with tears in her eyes. She then called for fans to continue their support: “Fill these seats. We’re setting records and we need you to buy the shirt, come to the games. Women support women. Come and help us.” Maher’s first game in the U.K. was so popular, it required a venue change. According to The Associated Press, the match moved to a much larger stadium, Ashton Gate, to hold a record-breaking 9,240 fans. Yet, Maher only played 20 minutes on the field. “It’s been an honor to wear this jersey and I just hope that we can continue, even when I’m not playing in the PWR, because there is something special going on here,” Maher said at the end of her video. Earlier this year, Maher discussed her adjustment to life in the U.K. with PEOPLE — including an adjustment to playing 15s. “I think it's just good to get back into 15s because I've been playing Sevens for six years, so I wanted to go somewhere where I can really immerse myself and really see the game in that way and feel it out,” she said. “Because if I want to pursue this World Cup thing, I want to be the best player that Team USA needs or that they deserve.” The rugby star also experienced an injury while overseas. “This is my first time breaking my nose, but 11 years of rugby and I held off for a pretty long time, so that's good, I guess,” she said at the time. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Maher rose to stardom after competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But what really brought her into the public eye was her social media presence. The athlete has drawn in over 8.5 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. After competing on the world stage, Maher placed second on Dancing with the Stars with partner Alan Bersten. This won’t be the last fans will see of the athlete. On her Instagram Stories, Maher teased followers by writing, “The grind doesn’t stop. Working on something real special.”