Trinity Rodman out to make a name for herself with NWSL’s Washington Spirit
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BVM) — With the No. 2 overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft on Jan. 13, the Washington Spirit were destined to make waves regardless of whom they selected. Though they may have a slam dunk with their top pick (pun intended).
At No. 2 overall, the Washington Spirit selected Washington State forward Trinity Rodman, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman. While her famous dad may be known for his abilities in professional sports, Trinity is focused on stepping out of her dad’s shadow and establishing herself in the world of athletics.
“Obviously being at such a high level it’s easy to compare us two just because of his career,” Trinity said. “I think it’s important [to establish myself] because I am playing a completely different sport. I am a female. Just to have my name, Trinity Rodman, on everything instead of someone’s daughter would be awesome. But more than having my name out there, I’m more excited for people to be with me while I grow and I’m excited for people to see the improvement I have once I’m in the professional levels.”
Though Trinity, 18, never suited up for a game with the Cougars due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused the PAC-12 to cancel the fall season, she has plenty on her resume to justify the selection. Named a finalist for U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year, Trinity excelled for the U.S. U20 national team, scoring eight goals with six assists at the 2020 CONCACAF U20 Women’s Championship in March. For Trinity, the selection is the realization of a nearly lifelong dream.
“I’m super overwhelmed, excited, relieved,” Trinity said. “Just the fact that I’m living the dream I’ve had for myself since I was five years old is insane. I’m just super excited and eager to start my journey and become a better player.”
Draft night was a special moment for Trinity as well. Though the draft took place virtually, Trinity was still able to celebrate the moment with her mother right by her side. Once the selection was finally made, Trinity’s nerves were replaced with a wave of emotions, mostly excitement.
“I almost started crying because this is literally my dream and the fact that I can say I’m already living it at 18 years old is kind of crazy to me,” Trinity said. “The fact that I got to have my mom and have my name called was super exciting and overwhelming. I don’t even know the words to describe it. That was one of the best moments I’ve had in my entire life.”
The moment Trinity Rodman joined the #SpiritFam ❤️#NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZafqZsaFND
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 14, 2021
Although she missed out on the opportunity to play collegiately, Trinity was still able to learn from her experiences in 2020. Instead of leaning on others to push her, Trinity had to discover how to further her own inward motivation to improve and get better despite the obstacles in her way.
“The biggest thing I learned through this past year was being adaptable to everything and I think taking on everything that comes my way will be a huge part of my development,” Trinity said. “I’m grateful honestly for this past year. I don’t even see it as a bad year because I think it helped me grow as an individual and shed light on what could happen in the future and just be ready for it.”
Trinity will certainly have a lot of new experiences when she arrives on the team. Trinity, a California native, admitted she has never even been to D.C. and that in itself will be a treat, but she is most excited about the opportunity to learn from her teammates and absorb the wisdom from those around her.
“I’m excited to start my career in a different place and kind of start over in a way,” Trinity said. “I’m excited to be somewhere else and start fresh and learn from everyone on my team. I’m so excited to be playing with people of different ages, different backgrounds, everything. I’m so excited to learn from all the players I’m playing with and obviously the coaching staff is amazing. I’m excited to just meet everyone and start playing with them.”
While her talents on the pitch are undeniable, Trinity thinks she can help the Spirit with more than just her on-field abilities. With a young and bubbly personality, Trinity thinks she can bring a different kind of energy and enthusiasm to the unit which will help the team be able to loosen up and connect with their newest member.
“I think my positivity and my energy are big things I can bring to a lot of teams,” Trinity said. “I know they already have it, but I’m excited to bring enthusiasm, humor, excitement and positivity off the field. On the field, I’m excited for them to see how hard I really work and see that I’m never going to give up for them. Not just to say it to myself, but be able to do that and work hard for other people.”
With the last name like Rodman, the history of athletic success in her family tree and a high selection too boot, expectations are already sky high for the teenager. Though there will be a lot of standards to meet, Trinity is not worried about reaching those lofty goals set for her.
“I definitely feel like with my name and my dad and everything there will definitely be high expectations, but I’m not really worried about what other people think,” Trinity said. “I know deep down in myself that I’m going to learn and get better. I’m just excited to show everyone that I’m even better than what they’ve seen already. I’m not going to stay stagnant and I’m going to get better through the whole thing. I’m excited for people to see I can get better every step of the way.”
