In 2021, an 18-year-old girl from California made news in the NWSL. She became the youngest drafted player in NWSL history at the NWSL College Draft. Washington Spirit picked her up. She never played college soccer and made a professional debut. Likened to the NBA great Michael Jordan in his early years by former Spirit coach, Trinity Rodman was rising to the scene.

The daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman was ready to hit the soccer pitch. Once called a stud by Late Kobe Bryant and inspired by his words, Trinity Rodman pursued her career in soccer. Her mother was another big inspiration for the USWNT starlet, who wants to imbibe never give up attitude of her father. 

From becoming the youngest drafted player in 2021 to getting the highest contract in NWSL history to making the USWNT debut, here’s a look at the professional career of Trinity Rodman so far.

Trinity Rodman and her first professional season

NWSL franchise Washington Spirit picked Rodman in the 2021 NWSL College Draft. She was the overall second pick. The California native didn’t play a single game in college soccer and made it to the NWSL. Such was the talent. She took the NWSL by storm in her first professional season.

Rodman made her debut in NWSL Challenge Cup 2021 on April 10, 2021. She scored five minutes after coming on as a sub in the game. Spirit forward played in all four games of the Challenge Cup, scoring once and assisting once. Rodman kept her form in the regular NWSL season, helping Spirit to finish third. The USWNT starlet scored seven goals in the 2021 season and assisted seven more.

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She was Spirit’s second-highest scorer for the season. Her impact continued as she scored a goal against OL Reigns in the playoffs, taking Spirit to the final. In the final, Rodman assisted the winner against Chicago Red Stars, helping Spirit lift their first NWSL championship.

Rodman became the youngest player at 19 to assist in the playoffs. The young star won the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2021. She made it to the NWSL Best XI of 2021 and also won US Soccer Young Player of the Year in 2021. The professional debut was sensational for the rising star.

Trinity Rodman became the highest-paid NWSL player

Trinity Rodman announced her in professional soccer with a bang. 2021 was sensational for the starlet. She scored eight goals and assisted eight in all competitions for Spirit. Such was her impact that Spirit opened contract extension talks with the upcoming star. 

It took only one season for the daughter of the NBA legend to earn a contract extension with Spirit. Spirit offered her extension till 2024 with an option of one more year in February 2022. The deal was worth $1.1 million. It made Trinity Rodman the highest-paid player in the history of NWSL as she geared up for the second season with Spirit.

Rodman’s rise in 2022 with Washington Spirit

Rodman arrived in the 2022 NWSL season as the highest-paid player. After helping Spirit to its first-ever title, the starlet was ready for the second professional season. 2022 wasn’t a significant season for Washington Spirit, but Rodman was rising. She again finished the second-highest scorer for the club with four goals in NWSL. 

However, the club made strides in the NWSL Challenge Cup but fell short in the final. Trinity shined in the Cup with a seven-goal contribution. She scored four and assisted three to take the Spirit to the final before losing to the champions, North Carolina Courage. Her performances in 2021 and 2022 earned her a nomination for Ballon d’Or Feminin in August 2022. She finished 18th overall in the Ballon d’Or standings. 

Trinity Rodman’s USWNT debut

Rodman took the 2021 NWSL season with a storm. She kept knocking on the doors of USWNT. Finally, the rising forward was called upon by the national team for the January camp in 2022. It took place in Austin ahead of the She Believes Cup 2022. However, despite a stellar 2021, Rodman wasn’t selected for 2022 She Believes Cup roster.

Meanwhile, Abby Dahlkemper withdrew with a back injury from the squad. The USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski, who praised Rodman ahead of the January camp, didn’t hesitate to call her to replace Dahlkemper. On February 17, in the game against the Czech Republic, Rodman replaced Mallory Swanson in the 60th minute, making her debut for USWNT in the She Believes Cup 2022. 

Her international journey started. She won the She Believes Cup 2022 and 2023 so far with USWNT. The Spirit forward also won the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Rodman has 17 appearances for USWNT, scoring on two occasions. The USWNT starlet will have many more appearances for the national team in the future, with the player targeting FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

What’s next for Rodman?

Washington Spirit star has started the 2023 season in the best possible way. Rodman has a goal and an assist in the first two games in the NWSL. She recently made two substitute appearances for USWNT against the Republic of Ireland in two friendlies. It is a World Cup year. The players are gearing up to get selected.

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Trinity Rodman is also in contention for the roster. A recent horrific injury to Mallory Swanson and her fewer chances of making it to the World Cup gives a key opportunity to the young starlet. It is up to the starlet to grab it and make a name for herself. Rodman needs to continue her goal contributions in NWSL and the NWSL Challenge Cup to be in contention. It will be interesting to see what pans out for Trinity Rodman. USWNT has a star in the making to take the attacking mantle. 

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Is Trinity Rodman ready to take the starting spot for USWNT after Mallory Swanson’s injury?