Dennis Rodman’s household is full of athletic star power, from the once eccentric rebounding king himself, to his daughter Trinity.
On Wednesday the 18-year old freshman from Washington State became the youngest player ever selected in the women’s pro soccer draft.
She was selected by the Washington Spirit with the second overall pick in the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft. Rodman has been a standout for United States’ youth national teams, in fact, she most recently appeared for the U.S. Team that won the CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Tournament last March.
During the tournament, Rodman’s unique skill set was on full display, scoring eight goals and six assists. She even scored twice in the U-20 final as the United States downed Mexico (4-1).
Rodman didn’t play in a game for the Wazzu Cougars after the 2020 women’s collegiate soccer season was postponed until spring 2021 due to COVID-19, but that didn’t hurt her draft prospects at all.
Trinity is 5’10 and definitely inherited her height from her famous NBA dad who stands 6’8. Trinity credits her Dad for her athletic prowess and imposing physique. But she’s also excited to pave her own way and separate herself from the shadow of her famous father.
Trinity Rodman, Daughter of NBA Legend Dennis Rodman, Picked 2nd in NWSL Draft https://t.co/AqxMHb0BNa
— Star Fire! (@starfire998) January 15, 2021
Going pro has been Trinity’s dream since 4 years old
She said she chose Washington State because her brother DJ aka Dennis Jr attends the PAC-12 school in Pullman, WA, and is a member of the basketball team.
Being in isolation because of the pandemic actually allowed her to prepare for her professional career. She feels like the time is now to go pro and see where she stands among the best in the world.
Rodman explored European opportunities before deciding to stay in the states and take her shot at the NWSL. She now intends to sign with the Spirit and begin training camp next month. Her leap to the pros comes nearly four years after Mallory Pugh, a member of the 2019 US World Cup team, took a very similar path by enrolling at UCLA without playing, then joining this same Spirit squad at age 19.
Things didn’t quite work out for Pugh though as she’s been traded twice and hasn’t met expectations.
Things are changing in this sport as most U.S. Women’s players usually compete at the college level for four years before pursuing a pro career in the NWSL or Europe. Those days are numbered as more and more professional opportunities in the United States and abroad continue to present themselves for women.
The league is planning to hold a bubble tournament in April and begin the regular season in May. The Spirit are expected to split their 12 home games between Audi Field in D.C. and Segra Field in Leesburg VA.
