September 14, 2024—Matchday 20 saw Jonathan Giráldez and his squad cruise to a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Houston Dash. For those wondering why this date is significant, well, it marks the last time Trinity Rodman found the back of the net for the Washington Spirit. Even now, fast-forwarding to today as we enter the 2025 season, the star forward’s goal drought continues. Naturally Rodman is looking to flip the script, and has set an important goal for herself.

Before you start jumping to conclusions, one has to feel for the 22-year-old. Sure, coming from an emphatic Paris Olympics display while also adding three goals and an assist to her tally, she was expected to keep up with her attacking prowess. However, the unfortunate saw her sustain a relapse of her back injury. This made it difficult for the talented winger to focus on both getting recovered and getting back to her goal-scoring ways.

By the time she could, the season was over. But now, with the new season underway and her injury fully healed, expectations are high for her to start finding the back of the net again. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Trin has in mind. In an interview with Scripps Networks’ ION host Lisa Carlin, when asked about her plans for the next phase of her career, Rodman said, “Stay healthy for long.”

“I hate that I’m saying that at 22 but yeah, that’s a big one. I think just consistency and being dangerous in the final third. Always staying consistent with that is going to be huge,” continued the Spirit forward. “I know I can score and assist but being able to do it on a consistent basis will be huge.”

As ambitious as one could be! Clearly, Rodman has identified the weaknesses in her game and is determined to improve. And now that she has made the cut for Emma Hayes’ 24-player USWNT squad for their upcoming friendlies against Brazil, Rodman will have a chance to get going for the national team as well. 

Moreover, the fact that she’ll be joining the national side after a long hiatus is all the more reason that the winger will be raring to get back to form. For context, the last time she wore the US colors was back in the 2024 Olympics final against the similar opponents that she is about to face. Since then, she has ended up missing over three national camps, including the recently concluded SheBelieves Cup.

The American ladies will be facing Brazil in a doubleheader fixture with the first one taking place at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, on Saturday, April 5. Meanwhile, the return game is scheduled at PayPal Park, San Jose, on Tuesday, April 8.

Notably, Rodman is the only one to represent the trio called, Triple Espresso, as her fellow attacking partners Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson haven’t been called up. While Swanson is out for personal reasons, Wilson announced her pregnancy earlier this month, keeping her out of action for the time being.

But coming back to Washington Spirit, as Rodman focuses on her own improvement, she is also in awe of the skill and flair of some of her teammates have shown.

Trinity Rodman’s thoughts on the playing styles of teammates

Rodman was all praises for Japanese star Narumi Miura and the Colombian sensation Leicy Santos, whose stunning free-kick in the NWSL Challenge Cup final against Orlando Pride was pivotal in leveling the score, ultimately leading the Spirit to victory in the penalty shootout.

Trinity Rodman praised Narumi’s technical abilities and her tiki-taka playing style. Similar praise overflowed for Leicy, as Spirit No. 2 described the Colombian as more creative on the ball. “I love watching them play so much and having them in the base of our midfield is huge,” added Trin.

On a slightly off-topic note, Lisa Carlin underlined Rodman’s choice of again dying her hair pink. To which, the forward replied, “I think it’s a positive sign, hopefully. Brings in some wins.” Well, we don’t know whether wins will come or not but it has definitely brought some positive vibes for her!