USWNT and Washington Spirit Forward Trinity Rodman Eyes 2025 Amid Global Attention As Trinity Rodman approaches the close of her contract with the Washington Spirit, her impressive 2024
As Trinity Rodman approaches the close of her contract with the Washington Spirit, her impressive 2024 performance has attracted global interest. However, the USWNT star is firmly focused on returning to peak fitness, following a challenging season hampered by persistent back injuries.
“The off-season was a great reset for me, mentally and physically,” Rodman shared with Just Women’s Sports during the NWSL Media Day in January. “I got to do a lot of physical therapy, which was nice. I got to be with family, and right now I’m just focused on not jumping right back into it.”
Known for her agility and fearless play, Rodman’s style presents a significant threat to defenders. Yet, balancing her dynamic approach with her physical condition has proven challenging, culminating in a dramatic exit by wheelchair in September due to her back pain.
Post-season concerns were evident when Rodman participated in the NWSL playoffs and noted ongoing limitations during her team’s loss in the 2024 NWSL championship to the Orlando Pride. Reflecting on back issues since winning gold at the Paris Olympics, Rodman stated, “That’s not an excuse, but I wasn’t the Trin that I wanted to be today.”
Taking time off from USWNT engagements alongside teammates Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, Rodman underscores the patience required in her recovery journey, supported by her coaching team’s guidance.
“Just kind of progressing slowly,” she disclosed to JWS. “Even if I feel good, I don’t want to set it back again and be in a bad position.”
Finding balance between rest and team responsibilities remains an ongoing challenge. “It’s still very difficult, especially once you get later on in the season,” Rodman admitted. “There’s not those moments where you can say, oh, I need to sit out this game because every game is important.”
Striving for better communication with her medical team and coaches, Rodman is committed to improving her approach as the Spirit aim for a triumphant return with players like Croix Bethune, Andi Sullivan, and Ouleye Sarr eagerly anticipated back from injuries.
“I’m very excited that people are coming back from injury. Andi’s journey, Ouleye’s jersey, Croix’s journey, being able to hopefully see them back sooner than later,” she expressed. “So far, even just this first week, the energy has been great. We’re very together already, and going off last season, I think we set a really good foundation.”
The absence of major tournaments for the US allows Rodman to focus on both team chemistry and her personal health. With plans to involve a specialist to address her back injuries, Rodman aims for long-term improvement.
While Rodman is eager to move past her injuries, she acknowledges the potential need to lead from the sidelines to preserve her health. Her goal remains to foster consistency in gameplay, emphasizing her roles both as a scorer and a playmaker.
“I don’t need to be the person that’s scoring three goals every game, but just making an impact in any way that I can, even if that’s games where I’m getting pulled out earlier and making that impact on the sideline,” she explained. “I’m excited to see how I grow in that way of celebrating other people, and being able to play at my highest level when I’m in the game.”
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