The NWSL 2024 season is approaching a triumphant conclusion. With the finals on the horizon, one team has already secured their place: the Washington Spirit. Trinity Rodman and her teammates demonstrated impressive performance with one goal in mind—to eliminate the defending champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC—and they succeeded. It’s no surprise that spirits are high within the camp, and for Rodman, it appears she has embraced a completely new role within the squad.

Interestingly, this isn’t Washington Spirit’s first rodeo in the NWSL finals. Memories are still fresh of their victory in 2021 when 19-year-old Trinity Rodman helped lift the trophy after defeating Chicago Red Stars in that final match. However, as the 22-year-old transitions from her teenage years to adulthood, she notes significant differences between that season and the current one.

In her post-game interview following their victory over Gotham FC, Trinity expressed her enthusiasm. She stated, “It’s a great feeling. It was a great feeling in 2021, but it’s just different now.” She elaborated on how her prior experience has led to a newfound leadership position on the team. In her words, “I think having already experienced it and now kind of going through it with more of a leadership role, more comfortable.”

For Trinity Rodman, those inaugural days as a rookie seem far behind. And despite being just 22 years old now, she is keenly stepping into her responsibilities as an experienced player. Moreover, the USWNT forward finds fulfillment in watching younger players step up and thrive alongside her. “And then having, like I said, these rookies step up and be so comfortable and confident is so nice to see,” she remarked.

Even though her role on the field may have changed since 2021, her excitement hasn’t diminished; as she concluded by stating, “I’m just honored and I’m not any less excited this round than I was in 2021.” Now all eyes are set on Saturday when we will discover if Trinity Rodman can replicate her triumph from 2021. In addition to vying for another NWSL title, there’s also another accolade that is very well achievable.

Trinity Rodman is your NWSL MVP finalist!

Yes, that’s right, following a season filled with both triumphs and setbacks due to injuries, Trinity Rodman has earned a nomination for the NWSL MVP award. She is joined by other notable contenders such as Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, Marta, and her ‘Triple Espresso’ partner Sophia Smith. It’s clear that this competition for the honor will be fierce.

Although injuries hampered Rodman’s performance throughout the season, she still managed to achieve 8 goals and 6 assists in her 24 games played. In comparison, Chawinga boasts an impressive tally of 21 goals and 6 assists, while Banda follows closely with 15 goals and also 6 assists; thus making Trinity  Rodman’s chances appear slim. Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see if she can clinch victory against these strong competitors.