It’s been a challenging season for Trinity Rodman in the NWSL. Since April, she has been sidelined by a back injury, which has understandably weighed heavily on her and her team, the Washington Spirit. With that said, the anticipation surrounding her return is palpable, and on Thursday, she broke her silence about her comeback.
In an interview with ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf, Rodman expressed a determined spirit. “I’m still gonna be Trin,” she assured her fans, indicating that while she may need to tweak her approach on the field, her essence as a player remains. She acknowledged that she might not have the same reckless abandon she once had—specifically in how she engaged in tackles and physical plays—but this is not a plea for less intensity. Instead, it’s an acknowledgment of the need to play smarter.
“I’m still gonna be intense, and I’m still gonna give it 100% all the time,” Rodman stated, but she is learning when to hold back just a bit—for her own well-being and longevity in the game. Her focus now includes being strategic about her energy expenditure and how to navigate around defenders without putting herself in harm’s way.
The emphasis she’s placing on health before performance is refreshing in a sport often dominated by the pressure to endure. “I’m trying not to stress about it or put too much pressure on it, because at the end of the day, I’m worried about health first, and then everything else can come next,” Rodman explained. It’s this kind of mindset that resonates with both athletes and fans alike. We all know the struggle of wanting to push through our limits, but also the importance of taking a step back, evaluating, and ensuring we’re in the right headspace to continue pushing forward.
Rodman’s journey in the NWSL is noteworthy. She’s currently in her fourth year with the Washington Spirit and made history as the youngest player drafted into the league in 2021. In 2022, she set a benchmark as the highest-paid player in the league, with a staggering salary of $281,000 per year, and just two years later, she played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. Women’s National Team secure a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Despite her back injury complications, which have made it difficult for her to maintain her game, Rodman has still found a way to shine. With 24 NWSL goals under her belt since she started in 2021, her talent is undeniable. It’s also evident that she has bigger aspirations, as she’s publicly expressed a desire to play overseas in Europe, indicating an ambition that goes beyond the game as it stands now.
With her contract ending this year, her future is uncertain, but there’s no doubt that she’ll carry the same fierce determination into whatever comes next—whether that is a renewed commitment to the Spirit or a leap into the international arena. For Trinity Rodman, it’s not just about winning matches. It’s about growing as a player, taking care of herself, and proving that even through adversity, she can still rise to the occasion.
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