Spectators keeping up with the closing stages of the U.S. Open have probably spotted Trinity Rodman in the stands supporting her partner, tennis standout Ben Shelton. While television feeds and social media networks often focus on traditional labels associated with sports partners, Rodman transcends that description entirely, boasting an extraordinary athletic career that stands on its own merits.
At 24 years of age, Rodman is a powerhouse in professional women’s soccer. Her career in the big leagues launched in 2021 when she was selected second overall by the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Draft straight out of high school at age 18, making her the youngest athlete ever chosen in the league’s history at that point. She made an immediate impact by scoring a goal only five minutes into her professional debut.
She quickly demonstrated her immense capability on the pitch, helping guide the Spirit to an NWSL title, capturing Rookie of the Year honors, and cementing her status as a crucial asset for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).
Her global profile continued to rise as she played a key role in the USWNT’s gold-medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Domestically, Rodman set a new precedent in the NWSL by signing a three-year contract extension with the Washington Spirit through 2028, made possible by the league’s High Impact Player rule. This historic agreement is valued at more than $2 million annually, including performance incentives, making her the highest-paid player in NWSL history.
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Athletic greatness runs in her bloodline as she is the daughter of NBA icon Dennis Rodman. However, while her famous name and highly publicized romance with Shelton have generated significant media coverage in recent weeks, Rodman has built a powerful personal brand and professional career completely independent of both connections.
The couple has been together for a year and a half, with Shelton recently sharing that Rodman originally initiated their connection via an Instagram direct message. Their popular relationship has captured wide attention online, even as Rodman balances the demands of early-morning soccer training with attending Shelton’s grueling, late-night matches at the tournament.
Ben Shelton alongside Trinity Rodman
Photo credit: Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
So as you watch Shelton compete in Flushing Meadows during the final rounds, keep in mind that the spectator in his corner is a soccer powerhouse who has already conquered domestic and international stages before her mid-20s.
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