In sports, confidence is the secret ingredient to the championship-winning performance, and Trinity Rodman appears to have just discovered her perfect formula. Just ahead of the NWSL Final against the Orlando Pride, the young forward boldly claims to be ready for the biggest game of her life at the young age of 22. “I don’t want to say comfortable, but I’m a lot more confident in myself and in the team,” she said ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Rodman’s path to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. From delivering a game-winning assist in her rookie season’s championship to becoming a pivotal player for both her club and country, her rise is a testament to her determination and growth. This year, she added to her list an Olympic gold medal and also scored three goals, and started every match for the U.S. Women’s National Team. As it is said, “The roots of success are watered by the rains of adversity,” and Rodman’s journey indeed reflects this.

As Rodman said, this year has been one of self-discovery and transformation for her. She also said that putting the team first has had a big influence on her growth. “Really successful players can get stuck in themselves, only thinking about their performance,” she reflected. “This year, I’ve focused on being part of a team, learning and growing from the people around me.” 

Washington’s season had its own hurdles. Rodman had back spasms towards the end of the season. She missed an important match against Orlando, where the Pride won 2-0 and captured the NWSL Shield. Despite that, the Spirit fought back and ended up finishing second in the league. They matched Orlando by setting a new NWSL record with 18 wins.

Washington Spirit’s Croix Bethune makes history as NWSL midfielder of the Year

Bethune’s exceptional performance in her rookie season has made history in the NWSL. She has already been named Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the Best XI First Team. Now, she adds another achievement to her list. She is the first player to receive this award, and her rise to the top has been truly remarkable.

Scoring five goals and garnering league-record-tying 10 assists like Tobin Heath in 2016, the 22-year-old demonstrated a natural talent for controlling games and creating pivotal moments. She did all this in just 17 matches, cementing her as one of the league’s top players.

Demonstrating her skills on a larger stage, Bethune was initially named an alternate for the 2024 Olympics but was promoted to the main roster during the tournament. On July 31, she wore the USWNT jersey against Australia and played a key role in securing a gold medal, adding international success to her already impressive year. 

Although a late-season SEI injury put her on the sidelines, Bethune’s influence has already set a new standard for rookies. As the saying goes, “The brightest flame casts the longest shadow,” and her accomplishments will surely motivate future generations.