Trinity Rodman Wants to Build Her Own Sports Legacy 

Dennis Rodman created a legacy for himself and his last name. He’s one of the greatest basketball players of all time and played alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Thanks to him, the name Rodman is well-known around the world. However, there’s a new Rodman catching the attention of the media and the world. That name is Trinity Rodman, one of many players drafted in 2021 we’re excited to watch.

The Washington Spirit selected Trinity Rodman second overall in the 2021 NWSL draft. At just 18 years old, Trinity Rodman exhausted her NCAA eligibility before playing a single college game. Instead, she turned pro and joined the NWSL to begin her own sports journey. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for Trinity, but her father’s legacy has overshadowed her personal success. The trending headlines refer to her primarily as “Dennis Rodman’s daughter,” tying her to his legacy before her career even begins.

Trinity doesn’t necessarily shy away from her father’s legacy, but she is determinedly writing her own story. Trinity told ESPN, “Moving forward, it’s going to be nice not to separate ourselves, but be able to distinguish that yes, he was a successful NBA player, but I am going to be a successful NWSL player.”

Though the 18-year-old is just beginning her professional journey, she’s been working towards this goal for essentially her entire life. Like many young and dedicated players, playing professionally was her ultimate goal. Trinity told CNN, “This has been my dream forever.”

“I am really proud of myself and just proud of where I have come from and where I will be soon.” – Trinity Rodman

Rodman enters the game without the same level of experience as many NWSL players have. But while she never played college soccer, she does have USYNT experience. According to her U-20 USWNT coach, Laura Harvey, Trinity is “legit.”

Following Trinity’s selection in the draft, Spirit head coach Richie Burke said selecting her was a “no-brainer.” Despite being relatively untested, Burke is confident their club can nurture and progress Trinity’s game so that she has a maximum impact on the team for years to come. However, she’ll still have a lot to learn. The NWSL is fast-paced, filled with experienced players, and extremely competitive. As such, a young player like Trinity needs the right environment to succeed.

Among the many talented veterans Trinity can learn from at the Spirit is Briana Scurry, a Spirit assistant coach and bonafide legend of the game. With Scurry and the rest of the program’s support, Trinity can grow her game and realize her full potential. For her part, Trinity knows this is a huge step in her career, and said she’s most excited for the opportunity to learn. There are likely very few better mentors in the game than Scurry.

Trinity Rodman definitely understands the challenges and obstacles she will have to overcome in this new chapter of her career, but she is up for the challenge. One day, the headlines will just say “Trinity Rodman.”

Featured Image via Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images

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