A breakout tournament inspired by the greats: Trinity Rodman has arrived on the international stage
If the world did not already know who Trinity Rodman is, the 22-year-old well and truly introduced herself to them at Paris 2024.
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) stormed to women’s Olympic football gold, their fifth in total, and Rodman was right at the heart of their enthralling campaign.
With three goals and one assist, including a sublime extra-time winner against Japan in the quarter-finals, this has been a breakout tournament for the Washington Spirit forward.
The talent has always been there, fans have seen it at club level regularly, but the arrival of Emma Hayes has helped bring out the best in her on the international stage.
For Rodman, that can be chalked down to the British coach instilling joy in the USA side once more.
“I think the fun aspect goes a little bit unseen in sports, but I think it was huge for us,” the 22-year-old told Olympics.com exclusively.
“In training sessions, even game days, there’s always music blasting [by designated team DJ Crystal Dunn], there’s always dances, there’s always fun.
“I think that helps us with our success; being one and being together.”
Trinity Rodman’s commitment to covering ground
Such is the role of a modern footballer, you have to be skilled in the art of covering any and every position on the pitch.
Every player has their specialities, and for Rodman it’s being an electric winger at the forefront of a forward line.
But it’s just as important to contribute in different ways in any game, supporting teammates and stamping your presence.
And that defensive aspect is something Rodman does so well, recognising that it is crucial to winning.
“I think you just never know what the play could be,” she told us.
“[It could be that] there’s a goal line save or we need an extra player in the box.
“So I think not only for me, but I think all of the players on the team and all the attacking players, there are moments where we have to track back, and I think that’s part of what makes us so great.”
It is the kind of mentality that contributed to a near-perfect run of defensive form in Paris.
Hayes’s side only conceded twice en route to the top of the podium, both coming in the group stage against Germany and Australia respectively.
It is yet another example of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous quote “attack wins you games, defence wins you titles” holding true.
Rodman: Inspired by USA greats
Rodman has a plethora of U.S. legends to look to, inspiring her own career on the world stage.
Both Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath have played their part in helping the young player hone her craft.
“Playing with Pinoe, who is amazing, to be there for her retirement was amazing,” she said last year.
“She just [worked] so hard, she has changed the game of soccer and she brings her own personality and swag to the game. I hope to do the same.”
And that she did, lighting up the pitch in Paris.
From her pink braids to showing off her signature ‘Trin Spin’ move, Rodman made her mark.
While her bold nature has been inspired by Pinoe, the creative flair that makes her difficult for defenders to deal with is modelled off Heath.
“I specifically always touch on Tobin Heath because I feel like, in her game, she shows a lot of creativity and spunk while also being explosive and fast,” Rodman told Vogue earlier this year.
“You can tell her mind is going a million miles per hour, but when she gets on the ball, everything slows down.
“It’s amazing to watch – she is someone I’ve studied a lot.”
At 22, the future is undeniably bright for both Rodman and the USWNT.