Who is Trinity Rodman?
Trinity Rodman is a 22-year-old professional soccer player who has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s soccer. Born on May 20, 2002, she plays as a forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and represents the United States Women’s National Team. Her strong connection to Trinity Rodman Washington DC is evident through her play for the Spirit.
Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.—one of The Dining Destination’s core service areas? Make a day of it by catching Trinity Rodman and the Spirit at Audi Field before exploring our curated list of nearby Navy Yard eateries.
Quick Facts:
- Age: 22 years old (born May 20, 2002)
- Position: Forward
- Teams: Washington Spirit (NWSL), US Women’s National Team
- Height: 5’8″ (some sources list 5’7″ or 5’10”)
- Parents: Michelle Moyer and Dennis Rodman
- Career Highlight: Olympic Gold Medalist (2024 Paris Olympics)
Trinity made history in 2021 when she was drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Spirit at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest player ever drafted in NWSL history. That same year, she was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Spirit to their first championship title.
In 2022, she signed a record-breaking $1.1 million contract with the Washington Spirit, making her the highest-paid player in NWSL history at the time. Her rapid rise continued with her USWNT debut in February 2022, and she went on to win Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While Trinity is the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, she has worked hard to establish her own identity in sports. As she once said, “I am just excited to be known as Trinity Rodman, and not Dennis Rodman’s daughter.”
Her career has been marked by breaking records, winning championships, and dealing with the unique challenges of having a famous last name while forging her own path in professional soccer.
Handy * trinity rodman* terms:
The Making of a Soccer Phenom: Early Life and Career Ascent
Every great athlete’s story begins somewhere, and for Trinity Rodman, that journey started on the sunny beaches of Newport Beach, California. Born on May 20, 2002, to Michelle Moyer and NBA legend Dennis Rodman, Trinity grew up in a household where athletic excellence was simply part of the DNA.
Trinity wasn’t the only talented athlete in the family. Her brother DJ Rodman would go on to pursue basketball, following more closely in their father’s footsteps. But Trinity? She had her sights set on something different entirely.
From an early age, Trinity showed remarkable talent on the soccer field. She joined the prestigious SoCal Blues club team, where she quickly became a standout player in the Elite Clubs National League. Her youth career was nothing short of spectacular – she helped her team win four national championships and maintained an incredible five-year undefeated streak.
Interestingly, Trinity also played basketball during her youth, which makes sense given her father’s NBA legacy. But as she humorously explained later, basketball just wasn’t her calling: “With my mom’s and my dad’s genes, me and my brother excelled in a lot of sports. I was good at basketball, but I was uncomfortable. I did not like dribbling, [I] didn’t know how to shoot. … It didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing.”
Soccer, on the other hand, felt natural. It was where she truly belonged.
After dominating youth soccer, Trinity Rodman briefly attended Washington State University. But her professional dreams were calling, and she made the bold decision to declare for the 2021 NWSL Draft while still a teenager.
The draft day changed everything. At just 18 years old, Trinity was selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Spirit, making history as the youngest player ever drafted in NWSL history. It was a moment that signaled a new era for women’s soccer – young, dynamic talent ready to take the league by storm.
But with that historic moment came the inevitable questions about her famous last name. Trinity, however, was already focused on something bigger than family legacy. During her draft interview, she made her intentions crystal clear: “but I am just excited to be known as Trinity Rodman, and not Dennis Rodman’s daughter.”
That statement would become the defining theme of her career – a talented young woman determined to forge her own path and create her own legacy, one goal at a time.
Dominating the Pitch: Trinity Rodman’s NWSL and USWNT Achievements
When Trinity Rodman stepped onto the professional soccer field, she didn’t just make an entrance—she made history. Her journey from teenage draft pick to international superstar reads like a fairy tale, complete with record-breaking contracts, championship trophies, and a collection of honors that would make veterans jealous.
Washington Spirit Superstar
Trinity’s rookie season in 2021 was the stuff of legends. Most players spend their first year adjusting to the professional game, but Trinity Rodman had other plans. In 25 matches (22 starts), she scored 7 goals and dished out 7 assists, proving she was equally dangerous as a scorer and playmaker.
Her incredible debut season earned her the NWSL Rookie of the Year award—but that was just the beginning. Trinity helped lead the Washington Spirit to their first-ever NWSL Championship in 2021, even assisting the game-winning goal. Talk about making an impact!
The soccer world took notice, and in February 2022, Trinity signed a jaw-dropping four-year, $1.1 million contract with the Washington Spirit. This record-breaking deal made her the highest-paid player in NWSL history at the time. She wasn’t just earning big money—she was changing the game for everyone. As Trinity put it, she was “paving the path for younger players and showing older players that this is what they should have gotten in the first place.”
Her excellence continued beyond that rookie magic. Trinity earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI Second Team in 2023, and her career statistics speak volumes. As of April 2024, she had made 66 league appearances and scored 16 league goals for the Washington Spirit, with 78 total club appearances and 21 total club goals.
Perhaps most impressively, Trinity became the youngest player in NWSL history to record both 10 assists and 10 goals in a regular season career. She also holds the record as the youngest Spirit player to make 50 appearances—collecting milestones like they’re going out of style.
A Force on the U.S. Women’s National Team
Trinity’s talents were too big for just club soccer. Her meteoric rise caught the attention of the USWNT coaching staff, and on February 17, 2022, she made her senior debut at just 19 years old. She became the 69th teenager to earn a cap for the national team—pretty exclusive company.
It didn’t take long for her to find her scoring touch on the international stage. Trinity Rodman scored her first international goal on April 12, 2022, in just her third national team appearance, becoming the 31st teenager to score for the USWNT. She also holds the record as the youngest USWNT player ever to score two goals in one match.
Her trophy cabinet with the national team is already impressive. Trinity has won the CONCACAF W Championship in 2022, claimed three SheBelieves Cup titles (2022, 2023, 2024), captured the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in 2024, and crowned it all with an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup provided valuable experience on the world’s biggest stage, even though the team’s results weren’t what they hoped for. As of June 2024, Trinity had earned 38 appearances and scored 7 goals for the USWNT—numbers that continue to grow with each camp.
Her individual brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed globally. In 2022, Trinity Rodman received a Ballon d’Or Féminin nomination, finishing 18th among the world’s best players. For a player who had just turned professional the year before, this recognition was remarkable proof of her rapid ascent to soccer’s elite level.
Navigating a Famous Last Name: The Rodman Family Dynamic
Growing up as the daughter of one of basketball’s most colorful personalities isn’t easy. For Trinity Rodman, the journey to establishing her own identity has been both challenging and deeply personal. While her athletic talent speaks for itself, the constant media attention and public curiosity about her family life have added layers of complexity to her rise in professional soccer.
The weight of carrying a famous last name means every achievement gets filtered through questions about her father’s influence, and every interview inevitably circles back to family dynamics. Trinity has handled this scrutiny with remarkable grace and honesty, choosing to address these topics head-on rather than avoid them.
The Enduring Influence of Michelle Moyer
Behind every great athlete is often an unsung hero, and for Trinity Rodman, that person is undoubtedly her mother, Michelle Moyer. While Dennis Rodman’s fame might grab headlines, it’s Michelle who has been the steady force shaping Trinity’s character and career.
Michelle took on the role of primary caregiver, often handling parenting duties single-handedly. Her influence goes far beyond just providing stability – she instilled in Trinity the competitive drive and mental toughness that define her playing style today. As Trinity openly shared, “my mom’s been my support system in everything in life and she’s my best friend and my rock,” Trinity told The Guardian in 2021.
The bond between mother and daughter is evident in how Trinity carries herself both on and off the field. Michelle’s dedication to creating a nurturing environment allowed Trinity to focus on her passion for soccer without the distractions that often come with celebrity family dynamics. This foundation of unconditional support has been crucial in helping Trinity steer the unique pressures of her situation.
The Complicated Relationship with Father Dennis Rodman
The relationship between Trinity Rodman and her father Dennis represents one of the more challenging aspects of her personal journey. Unlike the fairy-tale narratives often associated with sports families, Trinity’s story with her father is marked by absence, disappointment, and the ongoing struggle to define what family means to her.
Trinity has never shied away from discussing the reality of growing up without a consistent father figure. In a candid December 2024 appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, she was brutally honest about their relationship. “He’s not a dad,” she said, describing him as “extremely selfish” and someone who “partied all the time.”
These aren’t just casual comments – they reflect years of navigating the complex emotions that come with having a famous but absent parent. Trinity’s openness about these struggles has resonated with many fans who appreciate her authenticity in a world where celebrity families often present polished public images.
One particularly telling moment came during Trinity’s 2021 NWSL playoff game when Dennis unexpectedly showed up. While media coverage painted it as a heartwarming reunion, Trinity later revealed her true feelings about the surprise visit. She was “so mad” that he appeared, feeling that his presence overshadowed what should have been her moment to shine.
The aftermath of that game led to an emotional Instagram post where Trinity grappled with her conflicted feelings about their relationship. It was a raw, honest glimpse into the emotional complexity of wanting a connection with a parent while also protecting herself from further disappointment.
Dennis himself has acknowledged his shortcomings as a father, admitting in interviews that he struggles to break negative patterns and wishes his children would reach out more. However, Trinity has consistently emphasized that actions matter more than words, and her focus remains on building her own legacy rather than trying to repair a relationship that has caused her pain.
This family dynamic has ultimately strengthened Trinity’s resolve to be known for her own accomplishments. Her determination to forge her own path, from her youth soccer days in Newport Beach to her professional career in Washington D.C., has become a defining characteristic of her public persona and a source of inspiration for young athletes facing similar challenges.
Beyond the Pitch: Life, Ventures, and Recent Headlines
While Trinity Rodman dominates on the soccer field, her life away from the game reveals a young woman navigating fame, building her brand, and dealing with the everyday challenges that come with being in the spotlight. From romantic relationships to business ventures, Trinity has shown she’s just as strategic off the pitch as she is on it.
Personal Life and Recent Events for Trinity Rodman
Trinity’s personal life has captured public attention, especially her relationship with tennis star Ben Shelton. The couple has been spotted together at major tournaments, with Trinity often cheering from the stands at events like Wimbledon and the French Open. Their relationship brings together two rising stars from different sports worlds, creating a power couple that fans love to follow.
However, 2023 brought some serious challenges for Trinity Rodman. She faced a significant back injury that required extensive rehabilitation, a process closely watched by Washington Spirit fans. Trinity has been refreshingly honest about her struggles, describing her condition as “more so management than like a curable fix.” She took to social media to address misconceptions, posting: “Yes, I’m grinding almost every day in pt to get back on the field. NO, I’m not just being a wag and vacationing:)” Her direct approach helped fans understand that recovery is hard work, not a vacation.
An awkward moment during Wimbledon highlighted the ongoing challenges Trinity faces with her famous last name. BBC commentator Andrew Castle mispronounced her name while covering Ben Shelton’s match and made unnecessary references to her father. The incident was embarrassing enough that the BBC issued a formal apology. “Andrew apologizes for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman’s name,” BBC Sports said in a July 9 statement to The Sun. It was yet another reminder of Trinity’s ongoing battle to be recognized for her own achievements.
Building a Brand: Endorsements and Other Ventures
Trinity Rodman has proven to be as savvy in business as she is skilled on the soccer field. Her endorsement portfolio reads like a who’s who of major brands, including Adidas, Red Bull, Oakley, and even luxury fashion house Gucci. These partnerships show her crossover appeal beyond sports, reaching fashion and lifestyle audiences.
Trinity has also ventured into publishing with her children’s book ‘Wake Up and Kick It’. The book reflects her desire to inspire young athletes and shows her commitment to growing the sport she loves. It’s a smart move that positions her as a role model for the next generation of soccer players.
Her media presence has exploded in recent years. Trinity graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in June 2023, a major milestone that cemented her status as a cultural icon. She’s become a sought-after guest for ESPN features and various podcasts, where she shares her story with warmth and authenticity.
Trinity’s social media presence is equally impressive. She uses her platforms not just to promote her sponsors, but to give fans a genuine look into her life, her recovery process, and her thoughts on the game. This authentic approach has helped her build a loyal following that extends far beyond soccer fans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trinity Rodman
People are naturally curious about Trinity Rodman and her remarkable journey from teenager to soccer superstar. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just finding her story, these are the questions that come up most often about this incredible athlete.
How old is Trinity Rodman?
Trinity Rodman was born on May 20, 2002, making her 22 years old as of our latest update. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it – she’s accomplished so much at such a young age!
She’s already a professional soccer player for the Washington Spirit and represents the United States Women’s National Team on the international stage. At 22, she’s still in the early stages of what promises to be a legendary career, with many more years of peak performance ahead of her.
What is Trinity Rodman’s salary?
This is probably one of the most asked questions about Trinity Rodman, and for good reason. In February 2022, she made headlines by signing a four-year contract extension with the Washington Spirit worth a reported $1.1 million.
At the time, this groundbreaking deal made her the highest-paid player in NWSL history. While other players have since signed larger contracts, her deal remains one of the most lucrative in the league and was a pivotal moment for women’s soccer compensation. She said she was “paving the path for younger players and showing older players that this is what they should have gotten in the first place.”
What team does Trinity Rodman play for?
Trinity Rodman plays as a forward for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She’s been with the Spirit since being drafted second overall in 2021, and it’s been a perfect match ever since.
On the international level, she represents the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), where she’s become a key player. She made her USWNT debut in February 2022 and has already helped the team win multiple championships, including Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The dual role allows her to compete at the highest levels both domestically and internationally, showcasing her talents on multiple stages throughout the year.
Conclusion
Trinity Rodman has carved out something truly special in professional soccer. At just 22 years old, she’s already shattered records, won championships, and proven that she’s far more than just a famous last name. Her journey from Newport Beach youth leagues to Olympic gold medalist tells a story of incredible talent meeting unwavering determination.
What makes Trinity’s story so compelling isn’t just her athletic achievements – though those speak volumes. It’s how she’s steered the unique pressure of growing up in the spotlight, from Southern California to Washington D.C., while staying true to herself. She’s faced questions about her father’s legacy head-on, dealt with injuries and setbacks, and consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Her impact extends beyond the soccer pitch. Through her endorsements, children’s book, and media appearances, Trinity Rodman has become a role model for young athletes everywhere. She’s shown that success isn’t just about natural ability – it’s about hard work, resilience, and the courage to forge your own path.
The future looks incredibly bright for this rising star. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards in women’s soccer, one thing is clear: Trinity Rodman is just getting started. Her story reminds us that greatness often comes from the most unexpected places, much like finding a hidden culinary gem in an unfamiliar city.
We’re excited to continue following her journey and celebrating athletes who inspire us to reach for excellence in everything we do.
Explore our resource guides for more inspiring stories and destinations
