Here we are, with one of the most unexpected crossovers of basketball and soccer. Shaquille O’Neal joined the sets of Inside the NBA ahead of a much-anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. However, before that, he had a small meet-up with Dennis Rodman’s daughter Trinity, who represents the United States Women’s National team.
The official Instagram handle of the US Women’s National team shared a story, where Shaq welcomed the daughter of the Chicago Bulls icon with a warm hug. Notably, there were a few other players from the soccer team as well, who linked up with the Big Diesel. The US team handle added in their story, “The basketball-soccer crossover continues”, along with the above-mentioned video. Well, what was this sudden meet-up all about?
We are unaware of the reason why Trinity Rodman made a sudden appearance on the sets of Studio J. However, her bonding with Shaq is nothing new. Trinity is one of the best players on the United States Women’s soccer team. Ever since she made it to this big stage, Shaq has constantly endorsed her everywhere possible.
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In 2020, Trinity made her mark in international soccer. She scored 9 goals in the Women’s U-20 championship. Two came in the Finals at the clutch time against Mexico which helped the United States win the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship. She was nominated for the Young Player of the Year award for U.S. soccer but did not win. Later, she was selected for the FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in 2023, and Shaq welcomed her to the team in an iconic way.
Trinity Rodman gets welcomed to Team USA by Shaq
In June 2023, Trinity got a call from Team USA. She was selected for the biggest stage in soccer. Team USA decided to rope in a few famous figures to welcome the young team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Shaq was one of them. The Big Diesel took the honor of welcoming Trinity, while other famous icons like Taylor Swift, President Joe Biden, and Mikaela Shiffrin welcomed the other young athletes of the team.
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While most of them were quite formal, Shaq had his own way of congratulating Trinity. The 4x NBA champion said, “Trinity Rodman, welcome to your first World Cup, go kick some a**, bring back that victory, GO USA.”
𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!
We asked a few friends to help with this year’s World Cup roster announcement 🤩
Visit https://t.co/sLCJ8RhiOx for full details 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TckXmhgQyy
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 21, 2023
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Well, that’s typical of Shaq. What did you expect? However, this showcases the love he holds for the 21-year-old daughter of Rodman!