Washington Spirit star forward Trinity Rodman has been one of the best forwards and players in the NWSL this season and ever since her rookie campaign in 2021. She was also one of the instrumental forces in the 2024 National Team's gold medal turn in Paris at the Olympics. More recently, for September Rodman was named the EA Sports Player of the month.
The problem is, many fans outside of either the U.S. Women's National Team or NWSL only view her as the daughter of a famous athlete. She is the daughter of retired NBA star Dennis Rodman. Her father was an NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. He had a troubled career and brought many issues to the teams he played for.
Too many articles by some sports outlets choose to focus on who her father is but not who she is and what she has accomplished both on and off the pitch. It's time for everyone to acknowledge that she has eclipsed her father and has carved her legacy in the world of sports.
The 23-year-old Rodman already has a Gold Medal, Concacaf W Gold Cup, and NWSL Title to her name.
Trinity Rodman is easily one of the biggest stars of the both the NWSL and Women's National Team and seems to be just getting started. She has 34 goals between them.
In addition she has endorsement deals with companies such as Oakley and Addidas. As more and more women athletes are becoming stars outside their game, Trinity Rodman is one of those stars.
As she continues to play and carve her own legacy, it is more important to give her that freedom to break out of the shadow of her father. She has spoken numerous times that she does not have a positive relationship with her father so it should be on reporters to stop asking about him.
Rodman has chances to add to her legacy. NWSL playoffs begin in two weeks, and the Washington Spirit have second place in the regular season all but locked down. If Rodman can lead them to a title, it would cement her place among the best in league history. In two years, Rodman has a chance to help the USWNT maintain its position at the top of women's soccer.
As she moves forward in her career, she can do something her father never could. Be a positive role model and ambassador for the game she plays.