After an eventful 2024 season, Trinity Rodman, the US Women’s National Team and Washington Spirit forward, is drawing significant global interest as she enters the last year of her contract in Washington. However, Rodman’s primary focus is to return to the field in peak condition, following persistent back injuries that troubled the 22-year-old during the latter part of the year. The off-season has provided her with much-needed time for mental and physical rejuvenation, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy and family support.

Rodman’s dynamic playing style, marked by fearless moves on and off the ball, has made her an intimidating presence to defenders. Nevertheless, these very attributes have contributed to her ongoing struggle with chronic back pain, which worsened during the season’s climactic stages when she had to leave a match via wheelchair. Although she returned for the NWSL playoffs, her performance was curtailed by the lingering pain, a burden she has been managing since celebrating Olympic victory in Paris with her team.

During this period of recovery, Rodman has embraced a learning curve that involves stepping back from her usual high-intensity training. Teaming up with renowned players like Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, she has judiciously taken breaks from USWNT duties to focus on her rehabilitation, with the guidance of her coaches. The strategy underscores her commitment to gradual progress and prioritizing long-term health over immediate returns.

The process of finding balance between rest and team obligations continues to be a challenge for Rodman. While acknowledging the difficulty of sitting out important games later in the season, she remains receptive to learning better communication with medical professionals and coaches to manage her condition. After a promising 2024 season, where the Spirit finished as runners-up in both the NWSL table and the postseason, much of the team’s future success hinges on key players like Rodman returning to full fitness.

Her enthusiasm for the 2025 season is palpable as she anticipates the return of fellow teammates from injury. The Spirit’s loss of vital players, such as Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune and starting forward Ouleye Sarr, underscores the critical nature of this recuperation period. As they reunite on the field, Rodman reflects on the unity and strong foundation established during the past year, which she believes will be pivotal in their upcoming campaigns.

With no major tournaments slated for the US in 2025, Rodman intends to use this time to build cohesion among her teammates and reinforce her commitment to overcoming the injuries that have beleaguered her career. Acknowledging the importance of strengthening her back, she welcomes the prospect of a specialist joining the coaching team to aid in her recovery. Rodman’s forward-looking mindset is echoed in her pragmatic approach to game-time contributions—emphasizing playmaking strength and adaptability over sheer goal-scoring.

In pursuit of this goal, she remains open to nurturing her role from the sidelines as necessary and is eager to continue fostering a team spirit. The key to her growth lies in celebrating her peers’ achievements, while maintaining her own high level of play whenever she steps onto the pitch. This versatile approach prepares Rodman to lead both on and off the field, as she sets her sights on the 2025 season with optimism and determination.