In the realm of sports romance, two rising stars have made waves as Ben Shelton, a 22-year-old tennis player, and Trinity Rodman, an emerging force in soccer, took their relationship public. On March 18, 2025, Shelton shared a heartfelt Instagram post announcing their romance, capturing a sweet moment with Rodman that sent fans into a frenzy.
The Instagram post, part of a photo carousel, features a mirror selfie in an elevator where Rodman can be seen kissing Shelton on the cheek, a clear testament to their budding relationship. Captioning the photo, Shelton quoted Lil Baby, saying, “I been focused, but I’m steady climbin’, I’m nowhere near my peak,” which many interpreted as a dual nod to both his career trajectory and his new romantic relationship.
Excited reactions flooded in from their peers in the sports community. Coco Gauff, another young tennis ace, enthusiastically commented “hard launchhhhh,” while fellow tennis player Frances Tiafoe added, “We gram now” accompanied by three side-eye emojis, highlighting the online buzz surrounding their coupling.
The couple had previously engaged in playful exchanges on TikTok, hinting at their connection as early as March 6, 2025. Shelton had teased fans with a TikTok post that included the lyric “shooters shoot,” and cleverly hinted that his crush's name started with a letter “T.” Rodman reciprocated by including a similarly cryptic TikTok caption that captured fans’ attention.
Trinity Rodman comes from an illustrious lineage as the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. She has forged an impressive career of her own. At just 18 years old, she made history as the youngest player to be drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and has become a standout player for the Washington Spirit, even helping the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) win gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 by scoring three crucial goals throughout the tournament.
Ben Shelton, meanwhile, is carving his path in the tennis world. After reaching the semifinals of the 2023 U.S. Open, he’s gained significant recognition in the sport. Currently, he holds two ATP titles and is ranked No. 14 in the world, with much expectations ahead of his upcoming matches.
As both athletes gear up for their respective events – Shelton set to compete in the Miami Open starting March 21, 2025, and Rodman's Spirit hosting the Kansas City Current on March 22, there's immense buzz surrounding the potential of showcasing their relationship on the sports stage. Fans are eager to see if Rodman will support Shelton from the stands during the tournament.
This announcement of their relationship is not only a celebration for the couple but also an intriguing point of discussion for their fans who follow each of their careers. Speculation about a budding romance had been circulating for weeks, particularly given their playful interactions leading up to this public declaration of affection.
Adding another layer of complexity, Rodman has hinted at aspirations to play overseas, expressing that she would “kick myself” if she retired without exploring international opportunities. Though it has excited some fans and created buzz, it has also raised questions about her future with the Washington Spirit, as soccer icons Sam Mewis and Becky Sauerbrunn acknowledged the inevitability of her exploring options overseas if she gets the chance.
Amid all this, the excitement of Rodman and Shelton’s romance illustrates that the world of sports is ever-entwined with relationships and personal lives. As the couple embarks on this new chapter, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on their journey, both on and off the field.
As their public journey unfolds, many are now left intrigued—will their relationship impact their careers, and how will they navigate the pressures of being athletes in the public eye together? Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: the love story of Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman is just beginning, and sports fans are here for every moment.
