As a young soccer player, Trinity Rodman had dreams of one day playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Not only is it the greatest achievement in her sport, but it would also give her the opportunity to represent her nation. Since falling in love with the game of soccer at just 4 years old, Rodman waited for the day she'd be selected for the U.S. Women's National Team. In 2023, at just 21 years old, her dream came true, and head coach Vlatko Andonovski FaceTimed Rodman to inform her she was selected, catching it on video. "Thank you so much, this means the world," an overwhelmed Rodman told him. "I'm like, shaking!"
She is just one of 14 players making their first trip to the FIFA Women's World Cup with the USWNT. Unlike some other rookies, Rodman wasn't scared of the big moment. "I'm just telling myself that it's the same game," Rodman told Air Mail. "Nothing has really changed outside of the fact that it's a bigger stage, and more competitive ... but [it's] playing the game I fell in love with at 4 years old."
To announce Rodman's slot on the team, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team called upon Shaquille O'Neal (or as she calls him, Uncle Shaq). "Trinity Rodman, welcome to your first World Cup," he said in the video. "Go kick some ass and bring back that victory!"
