One player is already making headlines, as all eyes are on the U.S. Women’s National Team during their quest for a third straight World Cup victory in Australia. In the U.S.’s match against Vietnam, Trinity Rodman, the daughter of renowned NBA star Dennis Rodman, made her World Cup debut and played a crucial role in the team’s commanding 3-0 victory.

Who is Trinity Rodman?

Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman is an American professional soccer player who competes for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women’s national soccer team. She was born on May 20, 2002.

In the 2021 NWSL College Draft, Trinity made history by becoming the youngest player ever selected at the age of 18, as she was chosen in the second round. Following her debut season in 2021, she received numerous accolades, including the NWSL Rookie of the Year, NWSL Best XI, and U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year awards. Notably, she also became the highest-paid player in the league as of February 2022.

Trinity was born in Newport Beach, California, to Michelle Moyer and Dennis Rodman, both former NBA players. Raised mainly by her mother and her brother, DJ Rodman, in Southern California, she is also Alexis Rodman’s half-sister.

Her passion for soccer began at the young age of four, and she quickly felt at home with the sport. Supported by her mother and sister, Trinity pursued her dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

At the age of ten, she joined the SoCal Blues and achieved remarkable success, winning four national championships and keeping her club undefeated for five years in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

While attending Corona del Mar High School for her freshman year, Trinity later transferred to JSerra Catholic High School in nearby San Juan Capistrano, where she did not play for the school team.

In the 2021 NWSL College Draft, Trinity was the first overall pick by the Washington Spirit, making her the youngest player ever drafted in NWSL history. Prior to this, she had never been to Washington, DC.

Trinity’s professional debut took place during a 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup game on April 10, 2021, where she scored a goal just five minutes after coming on. She continued to impress during the Spirit’s four Challenge Cup games, including providing an assist for Ashley Sanchez’s game-winning goal against Racing Louisville FC on April 15. The Spirit ended the Challenge Cup with a 1-2-1 record, finishing fourth in the East Division.

For her outstanding performances, Trinity was recognized as the NWSL Rookie of the Year and earned a spot in the NWSL Best XI on November 17, 2021. In December of the same year, she was honored with the Young Female Player of the Year award by U.S. Soccer. On February 2, 2022, Trinity extended her contract with the Washington Spirit until the end of the 2024 season, with an option for 2025. Reports indicated that she signed a new deal worth $1.1 million, solidifying her position as the highest-paid player in the history of the NWSL.

Furthermore, Trinity’s talent and accomplishments led to her nomination for the Ballon d’Or Féminin on August 13, 2022, and she was also considered for the ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete.