Trinity Rodman: The Rise of America’s Next Soccer Superstar

Trinity Rodman is a rising star in women’s soccer, celebrated for her dynamic play as a forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team and the Washington Spirit.

She was born into a family with a sports legacy and has quickly established herself with impressive achievements, including being the youngest draft pick in NWSL history and earning the Rookie of the Year award.

Her rapid ascent mirrors the successes of other young talents like Vicky Lopez and Linda Caicedo, marking her as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.

Player Profile – Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman

Trinity Rodman is a standout forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team and the Washington Spirit. Her professional career took off when she was selected as the second overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, becoming the youngest draft pick in league history.

Rodman’s rookie season was exceptional, earning her the NWSL Rookie of the Year award and helping the Spirit secure their first league title.

Internationally, she made her USWNT debut in February 2022 and played a crucial role in the team’s campaign at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Rodman also made her Olympic debut with Team USA at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris where they won Gold, highlighting her rapid rise and impact in women’s soccer.

Player Profile Overview

Trinity Rodman’s Early Life and Background

Trinity Rodman was born on May 20, 2002, in Newport Beach, California, to NBA legend Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer.

Her parents divorced when she was a toddler, with the proceedings lasting eight years, during which Dennis Rodman was mostly absent from her life.

Raised by her mother, Moyer, Trinity, her brother D.J. Rodman, and their older half-sister Teyana Lima faced financial hardships, moving frequently and even living in a Comfort Inn at one point.

Despite Trinity’s growing success in sports, her relationship with her father has remained distant, with long periods of no contact.

Playing Style and Strength

Trinity Rodman is a dynamic forward known for her exceptional speed, technical skills, and intelligent movement off the ball. She excels in one-on-one situations, using her pace and dribbling ability to outmanoeuvre defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Rodman is not only a goal-scoring threat but also a capable playmaker, delivering accurate crosses and key passes. Her physical strength and high work rate contribute to her effectiveness both offensively and defensively, making her a well-rounded and influential player on the pitch.

Trinity Rodman’s Career Highlights

Her soccer career began with SoCal Blues at age ten, where her team was highly successful, winning four national championships and maintaining a five-year undefeated streak.

Trinity Rodman attended Corona del Mar High School for one year before transferring to JSerra Catholic High School, though she didn’t play for the school team.

Although she initially committed to UCLA for collegiate soccer, she later decided to join Washington State University like her brother. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling her freshman season, she never played a college match and instead chose to turn professional.

Trinity Rodman Becomes the Youngest Draftee in NWSL History

Trinity Rodman became the youngest player ever drafted in NWSL history when the Washington Spirit selected her as their first pick in the 2021 NWSL College Draft when she was only 18.

Despite never having visited Washington, D.C., she made an immediate impact, scoring a goal within five minutes of her professional debut during the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Trinity Rodman played in all four of the Spirit’s Challenge Cup matches, assisting on the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Racing Louisville FC, with the team finishing fourth in their division.

Winning the Championship with Washington Spirit

During the 2021 NWSL season, Trinity Rodman emerged as the Washington Spirit’s second-highest scorer with seven goals. The team finished third in the regular season and advanced to the playoffs with an 11–7–6 record.

Rodman played a pivotal role in the playoffs, scoring in the Spirit’s 2–1 victory against OL Reign to secure a spot in the final.

In the championship match against Chicago Red Stars, she provided the assist for Kelley O’Hara’s winning goal, helping the Spirit clinch their first league title. Furthermore, Trinity Rodman became the youngest player in NWSL history to record an assist in the playoffs in that game at the age of 19.

Trinity Rodman’s Ballon d’Or Feminin Nomination

Trinity Rodman has quickly risen to prominence in the NWSL. She was named Rookie of the Year in 2021 and signed a record-breaking contract, making her the highest-paid player in league history.

Her talent was recognized on a global scale with a Ballon d’Or Féminin nomination alongside Sam Kerr, Vivianne Miedema and eventual winner Alexia Putellas. She continued to impress in subsequent seasons, contributing goals and assists for the Washington Spirit.

Trinity Rodman’s International Career

Trinity Rodman has been a standout player for the United States women’s national soccer team at various youth levels. She excelled at the U-17 and U-20 levels, winning championships and earning individual accolades.

She competed in the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and played a key role in the U.S. winning the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, scoring nine goals, including two in the final against Mexico. Rodman was nominated for the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year award in 2020 and won it in 2021.

Trinity Rodman’s Senior Team Career

Her impressive performances led to a senior national team call-up in 2022, where she quickly made her mark by scoring her first goal for the team in a friendly against Uzbekistan.

In 2022, she was called up to the senior national team for the first time, making her debut in the SheBelieves Cup and scoring her first goal in a friendly against Uzbekistan. She was later named to the U.S. roster for the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship.

2023 World Cup in Australia

In June 2023, Trinity Rodman was named to the U.S. squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. In a send-off friendly against Wales on July 9, she scored both goals in a 2–0 win after coming on as a substitute for Alex Morgan, becoming the youngest player in team history to score a brace.

Rodman made her World Cup debut in the team’s 3–0 victory against Vietnam in their first group-stage match. However, the US had a disappointing tournament exiting at the round of 16 stage to Sweden, scoring on 4 goals with Lindsay Horan scoring 2 out of the 4 goals.

Winning the 2024 Olympics in Paris

Trinity Rodman was selected by Emma Hayes as one of the 18 players to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Rodman scored two goals during the group stage and netted another in extra time during the quarterfinal match against Japan on August 3, securing a spot in the semifinals. She started in the gold medal match against Brazil, where the U.S. won 1–0 thanks to a goal from Mallory Swanson.

Idols and Influence in Football

Trinity Rodman looks up to several sports icons, with Tobin Heath and Kobe Bryant being particularly influential. Rodman admires Heath for her creativity, spunk, and ability to control the game with her skill and speed, qualities that Rodman has studied closely.

Similarly, Bryant’s impact on Rodman is profound; she values his exceptional mentality and the way he dominated the court. His mental toughness and ability to excel in one-on-one situations, even in the face of team losses, have deeply inspired Rodman and shaped her approach to the game.

Personal Life of Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman is currently dating NFL wide receiver Trinity Benson, with their relationship going public in May 2024. She was previously linked to college basketball player Chris Kuzemka in 2023.

Off the field, Rodman partnered with Adidas to publish a children’s book titled “Wake Up and Kick It with Trinity Rodman” in March 2022, aiming to inspire kids to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions.

In 2022, she was also featured in ESPN’s Fifty/50 series, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX, highlighting her role in promoting women’s sports.

Conclusion

Trinity Rodman has rapidly emerged as a key player in women’s soccer. Her standout performances with the Washington Spirit and the U.S. Women’s National Team underscore her exceptional talent.

As she prepares for more adventure with her national team and club side, Rodman’s career highlights reflect her significant impact on the sport and her bright future ahead.