When it’s Trinity Rodman, she always knows how to hype up her people in the sweetest ways. Oh, and when it’s Ashley Sanchez, her bestie? Well, it’s a whole different vibe then! After all, their bond isn’t just about football, but growing together while understanding each other, and being each other’s side kick! 

From social media tributes to podcast appearances, they’ve made it clear that their friendship is more than just teammates—it’s about sisterhood with trust and unwavering support! “Honestly, she’s one of my best friends and being able to experience both of our World Cups together is going to be huge,” Sanchez had said ahead of the 2023 World Cup. That’s pure emotion, right? And after considering their undeniable chemistry on and off the field, it seems like nothing can stop these two from sharing their love even when separated!

And, this time too, Rodman did something that could melt your heart right away! She wished Sanchez on her birthday with a heartwarming message. She just posted something so incredibly sweet on her Instagram story—a picture of the two of them in matching outfits, and holding hands, like sprinkling pure friendship goals. Her words? They were like cotton candy—soft and sweet—“Happy bday to my side kick ashy I love you forever. I miss you everyday.” When, with Sanchez, Rodman’s energy is just extra playful and extra affectionate, isn’t it? Whether it’s goofing around with matching outfits or just teasing her up with cute names, her affection speaks of pure love, and a connection that often made itself visible when Sanchez was in Washington Spirit.

Remember May 6, 2023? When the Spirit were looking for an opening goal after a scoreless first half against the San Diego Wave, Sanchez took a chance with a cheeky through ball in between defenders, and guess who was at the end of it. That’s right. Rodman—who buried the opportunity with a cheeky finish down the bottom corner. Minutes later, Rodman returned the favor to her “side kick” with the goal culminating in a suave handshake celebration.

Now that’s the kind of connection where every pass, every assist, feels like a shared victory. That’s what the game is all about, right? But while the game brings people together, it can also be cruel at times. And that was the case when Washington Spirit sent Sanchez was sent to North Carolina Courage last year.

Ashley Sanchez can’t do without Trinity Rodman

It was such a tough moment for both of them, and one could feel it in their words when they expressed how much they’d miss each other. However, instead of dwelling on the difficulty of the situation and breaking their hearts, they both tried to embrace the moment with humor and ease! When Sanchez spoke in an interview after moving to Carolina, she said, “Honestly, we’ve just joked about how awkward it’s gonna be. Like looking on the other side of the field and like seeing her, I’m just not gonna be able to take it seriously.” Before bidding adieu, Sanchez made sure to make the most of her last couple of days with Rodman in DC.

And Rodman. She made sure to let her friend know what she meant to her. When the trade was announced, Rodman took to social media, and wrote,“Anyway this probably seems very dramatic but when u spend every second of everyday w one human u realize how much they’ve changed ur life. … I’m gonna miss u like crazy, but i know god has set u up for the best thing he has instore.” She even talked about their “depressed wrecks” phase and how they showed up for each other every day, calling it the most real and easiest friendship she ever had in her life. And when I say easy, it certainly means that they both got along with each other real quick and comfortably!

Nevertheless, the trade hit them both so hard, but it also brought a deeper appreciation for their bond—one that lives beyond soccer! Though they no longer share the same jersey or the same team, their friendship speaks a lot! Especially when Sanchez said, “there is no me without you.”