5 Reasons Why We Love Trinity Rodman
Trinity is back! The Washington Spirit forward made her highly anticipated NWSL return after four months of recovering from an ongoing back injury, and she did it in a way only she knows how: by scoring a game-winning goal in stoppage time to lead her team to victory over the Portland Thorns. This is our love letter to Trinity, encapsulating the many reasons we adore this star.
She’s A Powerhouse on the Pitch
Trinity Rodman celebrates a goal against the Houston Dash in 2021 (Brad Smith/Getty Images)
Trinity started playing soccer at four, but it was when she joined the SoCal Blues club at ten that she realized her raw talent was unlike the people around her. It was no longer just a hobby, and the team went undefeated in the Elite Clubs National League for five years. She also played for the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team for many years. As a forward, Trinity’s athleticism and strength make her such a tough competitor who can weave through the pressure and still make high-IQ decisions.
In 2021, 18-year-old Rodman was selected as the second overall pick in the NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit, the youngest player drafted to the league in history at the time. Her dynamic impact was immediately felt, and she was named NWSL Rookie of the Year, a finalist for NWSL MVP, U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, and helped lead the Spirit to win their first title. On top of this, she is a star for the UWSNT and was instrumental during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and has also contributed to many other international victories. Sure, we could list all of her accolades, but she’s one of those players that you just have to see in action.
2. Her Mental Toughness
Trinity Rodman, after scoring a goal in her first NWSL game in four months (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Trinity had been sidelined since April with an ongoing back injury that caused her constant pain. Her teammates know her as someone with an infectious personality, but her journey to recovery was a heavy weight that she had never been accustomed to. She struggled mentally, trying to convince herself that her discomfort was manageable, but once she truly took the time to listen to her body, she realized how much pain she was trying to push through. Still, she kept a smile on her face and worked as hard as she could to get back on the pitch. The tears that poured down her face as she scored the goal were not just a result of an emotionally charged moment; they were a result of finally feeling like herself again.
3. Her Fearless Style
In an interview with Harper's BAZAAR, Trinity said her sense of style draws parallels from who she is as a person, describing herself as “crazy and loud” with an “outgoing” personality. She doesn’t shy away from anything and is always looking to experiment with colors, patterns, and textures. She’s not opposed to a neutral color palette, but when there are so many options available, why not try out something new? The same goes for her hair, whether she’s rocking her iconic pink braids or the classic slick-back bun. She’s a go with the flow type of person, and we love that!
4. Her Unapologetic Personality
Trinity scoring the USA’s winning goal during the 2024 Paris Olympics (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
At only 23 years old, Trinity has already created her legacy, refusing to let anyone define her story. She has always advocated for herself, both on and off the pitch, and challenges others to do the same. Everything that has come her way is a result of her hard work and perseverance. You truly can see her personality shine through her tenacity on the field. Trinity’s former teammate, Sam Staab, once said that “She’s a bubbly and fun person to be around,” and that has allowed her to become a leader to her peers. She makes everyone around her compete, and is undeniably herself through it all.
5. Her Dedication to her Community
Beyond the field, Trinity truly has a heart of gold. She started her career at a young age, and now, she uses her platform to inspire the next generation. She authored a children’s book called Wake Up and Kick It with Trinity Rodman, writing about how she rose to the top despite the obstacles that came in her way. It’s an inspiring story that tells readers that no dream is too big or too small, and if you want something, you have to go all in. Trinity has also partnered with organizations such as Youth Athletes United as a brand ambassador to connect with children all around the world as they pursue their passions.
Even on the pitch, Washington Spirit fans are no strangers to the Trinity’s kindness. She is often the last player to leave the field after games, making sure that she has the opportunity to connect with all of her supporters, and it goes a long way. She is a fan favorite, not just because of her skill, but because of her heart.
No matter what phase of life you’re in, we can all learn some powerful lessons from Trinity’s story. You get to dictate your own story, and you have nothing to lose from going all in. You can catch Trinity and the Washington Spirit next on August 9th as they take on Gotham FC, a game you won’t want to miss!