Trinity Rodman’s NWSL season has been interrupted once again, and the news is undeniably heartbreaking for both her and fans alike. During the first half of the Washington Spirit’s recent victory in the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup against Monterrey, Rodman faced another setback when she collapsed to the ground while attempting a tackle. The anguish on her face was clear as she needed help leaving the pitch, leaving many to worry about the severity of her injury.
Unfortunately, it appears the injury involved her right leg, as she was seen using crutches and wearing a full-length knee brace as she made her way to the locker room at halftime. Such sight is disheartening for any devoted athlete and her supporters, especially considering her recent history with injuries. Spirit coach Adrián González mentioned that Rodman would undergo scans the following day, a procedure that often brings a mix of hope and anxiety.
This season has been tumultuous for Rodman. She was just starting to find her footing with the Spirit after ramping up her training and was excited to return to the USWNT roster after an earlier three-month hiatus due to a previous back injury. Back issues have haunted her for years, particularly leading to muscle spasms that sidelined her from crucial USWNT matches in 2021 and caused her to be wheeled off the field after a game in 2024. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions for any athlete, let alone one so young and passionate.
This season alone has seen Rodman participating sparingly, missing a substantial portion of the 2025 campaign due to her back troubles. After returning to the Spirit on March 14, she managed just four games and 165 minutes on the pitch before facing another cruel twist of fate. Though she didn’t manage to score or assist during that time, her resilience was evident as she notched an impressive seven goals in just 13 games since rejoining the lineup.
In an emotional moment captured on social media, Rodman expressed her determination to keep a positive outlook despite the setbacks. “I’m still gonna be Trin,” she said in July, demonstrating her resolve to maintain her identity and passion for the game while recognizing the need for a more cautious approach to her play. “But I think the way that I would throw my body around [before], maybe not. Maybe just being smarter about certain tackles, certain runs, certain 50-50s.”
Her words resonated not just as a mantra of resilience but also as a reminder of the struggles that come with sports injuries. It’s so easy to get caught up in the thrill of competition that sometimes we throw caution to the wind, unaware of the long-term consequences.
Even with her ambitious spirit, Rodman emphasized the crucial importance of prioritizing her health over all else as she worked relentlessly to get back on the field. “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.” This is a sentiment many can relate to, especially for those navigating their paths of recovery.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes echoed Rodman’s commitment to prioritizing health at a press conference just before her injury. “She’s one of the best players in the world, and we’ve had to play without her for more than a year,” Hayes said, emphasizing the vital need for Rodman to return not just to gameplay but in a state of optimal health. “I’m super excited to have Trin back with the group, but a healthy Trin, I think, is the important thing.”
In the ups and downs of professional sports, it’s essential to remind ourselves that behind every impressive athlete are real struggles, fears, and the unwavering hope for better days. Rodman embodies the spirit of resilience, and her journey, full of grit and determination, serves as an inspiration for many who are cheering her on. Through the struggles and triumphs, she reminds us that our health—mental, emotional, and physical—always comes first.
