Calling Transition From Olympic Gold to NWSL ‘Not Smooth,’ Trinity Rodman Echoes Tobin Heath’s Complaints

No one can argue that NWSL is the fastest-growing league worldwide. Unlike the late 90s or 2000s, the women’s game is drawing attention; deservingly so. The leagues see high-attendance numbers with fans wanting to see their favorite stars perform. However, the league is undergoing multiple changes with the new NWSL’s CBA agreements. Yet one thing remains to be addressed – the scheduling. And Trinity Rodman voiced her beliefs regarding that. Notably, the influential Tobin Heath emphasized the matter as well.

Most often, leagues in Europe start their soccer season in August. Whereas, the NWSL commences at the beginning of the New Year, which causes issues for the players. With major soccer tournaments happening mid-year, the players would need to take a break from their league schedule to play international tournaments. Yes, the question arises of injury concerns and fitness issues for the players. Well, Rodman echoed those sentiments.

In an episode of the Futbol W podcast, Rodman stated, “Yes, it’s definitely been an interesting transition just because you work so hard and your body kind of hits its point mid-season, which is so bizarre. But obviously, winning was amazing. We gotta a little bit of break. But, yeah, the transition, not only for me but I have talked to a few other national teammates. It’s been not as smooth as we wanted it to be.”

By playing in a high-pressure tournament like the Olympics, players take a toll on themselves and their bodies. It’s not as easy as it sounds to switch your attention from one high-pressure situation to another. The NWSL league title is still up for grabs with the Washington Spirit, lying in 2nd place. Yet, the only thing Rodman can do is focus on the task ahead.

Trinity Rodman echoes Tobin Heath’s sentiments about NWSL scheduling

Rodman continued, “I think it’s just keeping our minds right, reading our bodies, and knowing our bodies. I think body-wise it’s the biggest thing and I have never played that much and that had to hop back into the season. So, I am just trying to keep my legs right.”

In the meantime, Tobin Heath delivered her opinions on this issue. She stated how the European league players ease back into the season after playing a major tournament. Those players rapidly regain their form after a reasonable amount of rest and Heath stresses the matter. In her career, she played for multiple European clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. Now plying her trade for OL Reign, she comprehends the situation better.

“It just feels like there’s more grace to that as opposed to literally ‘Boom! you’re back in the NWSL. Boom! make the playoffs. Boom win the Shield, win the championship.’ And you’re like, ‘Can I get a break?’ I think that’s really, really hard,” said Heath, in an eye-opening statement.

Just like CBA’s new guidelines for the NWSL in eliminating drafts and other groundbreaking rule changes, this is something they might need to analyze. In today’s day and age, soccer players play multiple games and the potential for injuries remains at an all-time high. Accordingly, one might say, the NWSL league needs a radical transformation to make it more player-friendly. And make no mistake about it, they are doing their best.

Hopefully, we see more rule changes to support Trinity Rodman and Tobin Heath’s concerns.