It’s just a matter of time before the US Women’s National Team takes on Brazil for their opener of the doubleheader. Having met each other on the grand finale stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, both sides are finally crossing paths against each other almost after nine months. Albeit a friendly, one can’t simply underscore the significance of this clash as either side comes with their own reasons to win the game, with preparations also going in full swing among players. But then there’s Trinity Rodman, who’s rather enjoying a reunion with her family!

Technically, one cannot blame her. The opening clash takes place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood—a homecoming of sorts for Rodman in sunny California. Not to mention the 22-year-old spends the majority of her days back in Washington DC with the Spirits. So it’s only natural for her to take advantage of her long-awaited call-up to the national team to take the opportunity to check on her close ones after a long time.

For now, she was seen reuniting with her half-sister, Teyana Lima, who was born to Trin’s mother, Michelle Moyer, from a previous marriage. But surprisingly, the Spirit forward seemed more than excited to meet Lima’s two kids—daughter Kya born in 2017, and son Koa, born in 2018.

In fact, she was so thrilled that just an hour ago, Trinity shared a heartwarming post on her Instagram featuring her niece and nephew. In the short clip made through a boomerang feature, the 2024 Olympian can be seen receiving hugs and kisses from the little ones. Additionally, she wrote a caption along with the post saying, “Nothing like having a game at home 🥰❤️.”

Notably, both Trinity and her brother DJ Rodman are quite close with her half-sister Lima. All three have grown together and to this day, engage in occasional meetups. The same perhaps cannot be said for their other half-sister Alexis Rodman, whom their father Dennis Rodman shares with his first ex-wife Annie Bakes.

Then again, it was quite a fitting reunion for Trin with her half-sister’s kids. A similar would be felt for the toddlers as they must be thrilled to meet their cool aunt who is making quite a stride in the soccer world. Surely, a return to familiar ground for the California native, she will be looking to put on a show for them. But they shouldn’t higher their expectations too much as Rodman may not be in her best shape.

Don’t expect Trinity Rodman to play much for USWNT vs Brazil!

So far, Trinity Rodman has appeared in all three NWSL games for the Washington Spirit. However, head coach Jonatan Giráldez has been carefully managing her playing time. She came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes in the first two matches, while in the most recent game, she started but was taken off shortly after the 60-minute mark.

But eyes widened after the forward shared a concerning update regarding the relapse of her back injury which she sustained a month after shining in the Olympics. While doubting whether her “back will ever be 100 percent,” Rodman also confessed the mental battle she has been going through with the thought of ‘I can’t be the Trinity I was at the Olympics.’

This only makes it difficult for her to give her all in either of these matches against Brazil. Sadly, it’s a reality that only a few have been able to get hold of. Like, for instance, USWNT icon Sam Mewis, in the recent Women’s Game podcast, questioned the 22-year-old’s involvement in this camp. “I wouldn’t expect to see Trin starting. Especially not in this first game…it’s pretty clear that Trin’s minutes will need to be damaged,” said Mewis.

Another one to echo this sentiment was veteran midfielder McCall Zerboni, who said, “I don’t think she’s 90-minute ready. They’re just going to have to pace her into it and really manage her load,” while speaking on The Attacking Third.

Honestly, Emma Hayes appears to be taking a similar approach with her star player. In fact, the English coach has openly acknowledged the need to handle Rodman with care. “I have to try and find a sweet spot in camp to integrate her back into the team,” she said ahead of the game.

Hence, expect Rodman to face a massive cut in her game time. Regardless, on a positive note, she at least got to reunite with her family.