Trinity Rodman is a rising star in women’s soccer in the United States during a remarkable era.
Initially committed to Washington State University, Rodman surprised many by opting out of her college eligibility to join the NWSL immediately after high school.
As the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, she became the youngest player ever to be drafted into the league.
Her impact was instrumental in the Washington Spirit’s inaugural championship, contributing six goals to their victory.
In 2022, Rodman made her debut for the US Women’s National Team, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Since then, she has scored four goals, including a notable brace against Wales in a World Cup warm-up match just a few weeks ago.
Currently, she is representing the national team in the Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
Although her performance in the team’s games against Vietnam and The Netherlands hasn’t been as impactful, Rodman has shared her perspective on her identity as a Rodman.
Reflecting on her relationship with her father, Rodman shared that many people assumed they had a close bond, but the reality was quite different.
Growing up in Newport Beach, her father was often absent, caught up in the party scene that comes with being an NBA player.
Via ESPN:
“Growing up, people always thought that me and my dad had a close relationship and we never did. Living in Newport Beach, my dad was a little bit around but was still in the NBA party phase. He wasn’t in our lives and I was in my mom. And we were living separately. But we were still seeing him.”
“When I saw my dad on the sideline. I don’t even know if there was a thought. In the moment, I remember thinking I was like, is the start? Like is his effort to start coming to more games? It was amazing to see him and hear him cheer me…I’ve gotten to a place where I’ve found peace with it. Whenever we go shopping, I am always the first one to grab like, a tie-dye print or an orange or red. I feel like I’m own person on the field. But sometimes I have to take step back because suddenly I see the similarities with my dad.”
Rodman and her mother, along with her brother, experienced periods of living in motels and cars.
Despite these challenging circumstances, there was a misconception that she came from a privileged background due to her famous surname.
However, a turning point came for Rodman when her father unexpectedly appeared to watch her play.
In that moment, she didn’t have any particular thoughts, but she felt a mix of wonder and hope, wondering if this marked the beginning of him making more efforts to be present at her games.
Seeing and hearing her father cheer for her was a powerful experience.
Over time, she has found peace with their relationship.
On the field, Rodman feels like her own person, but she occasionally recognizes the similarities between herself and her father.
In conclusion, Trinity Rodman’s journey in soccer showcases her remarkable talent and determination to forge her own path.
Despite obstacles she faced growing up, she has overcome them to become a promising athlete for both her club and country.
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