Trinity Rodman, the talented forward for the Washington Spirit and U.S. Women’s National Team, has been sidelined indefinitely as she continues to battle a persistent back injury. The Spirit confirmed on Saturday, April 19, 2025, that Rodman is stepping away from team activities to focus on her health. "Trinity is taking time away from team activities to manage her back," the team stated in a release, adding, "We look forward to her returning when she’s healthy." This news comes just after the Spirit's hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Orlando Pride, a match that saw the team end the Pride's impressive 22-game home unbeaten streak.
Rodman, only 22 years old, has faced significant challenges with her back over the past few years. She first experienced severe issues last September during a match against the Kansas City Current, where she was taken off the field in a wheelchair. Since then, her back problems have lingered, leading to her absence from much of the Spirit's preseason and the Challenge Cup earlier this year. Despite these setbacks, Rodman made her return to the pitch on March 14, 2025, helping the Spirit to a 2-1 victory over Houston.
In her brief appearances this season, Rodman has played four matches, totaling 165 minutes on the field, and she has made one start. Earlier this month, she also marked her return to the U.S. Women’s National Team, scoring a goal in a 2-0 win against Brazil in a friendly match, a rematch of the gold medal showdown from the Paris Olympics. This performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging period for the young star.
Reflecting on her injury, Rodman has expressed a sense of resignation about her condition. "I don’t think my back will ever be the way it was my rookie year, which is unfortunate," she shared with reporters after the Spirit's match against Bay FC in late March. "It’s kind of an issue of it’s not one specific thing, it’s just the way that my back’s structured. And it’s more so management than like a curable fix." Her frank acknowledgment of her physical limitations highlights the ongoing struggle athletes face with injuries.
As Rodman takes time off to seek treatment in London, her absence leaves a significant gap in the Spirit's lineup. The team has already been grappling with an extensive injury list, including other key players such as midfielder Andi Sullivan and forward Ouleye Sarr. Head coach Jonatan Giráldez, while focusing on the recent match against Orlando, stated he would provide more information on Rodman's situation in the coming days. "Being honest right now, it’s too soon to speak about that. Today I was focused on the game," he said.
Despite the challenges, Rodman's determination remains evident. She has accumulated an impressive record with the U.S. Women’s National Team, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in 47 appearances, with 29 of those being starts. Her overall tally with the Spirit stands at 23 goals over her four-plus seasons with the club, showcasing her potential as a rising star in women's soccer.
As the Spirit continue their campaign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), they will need to adapt to Rodman’s absence. The team is set to face the Orlando Pride again soon, and they will be looking to build on their recent success without their star forward. The Spirit's performance will be closely monitored as they navigate this difficult phase.
Rodman’s journey has not only been about her physical challenges but also about her personal life, which has garnered attention due to her relationship with her father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman. In a candid interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Trinity spoke about her complicated relationship with her father, describing him as an "alcoholic" and stating he has been largely absent from her life. "He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else," she said, emphasizing her feelings of abandonment.
As Trinity Rodman focuses on her recovery, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for her return. Her resilience and talent have made her a key figure in women’s soccer, and the Spirit will undoubtedly benefit from her presence when she is back to full health. For now, the focus remains on her healing process and the team’s upcoming matches as they strive to maintain their momentum in the league.
In conclusion, the Washington Spirit and their supporters await positive news on Rodman's recovery, hoping to see her back on the pitch soon. The young forward's journey is a testament to the physical and emotional challenges athletes face, and her story continues to inspire many.
