Soccer phenom Trinity Rodman, a 22-year-old forward on the US women’s national team (USWNT), brims with energy over Zoom’s familiar portal.
It’s an early July afternoon, and she’s between training sessions at the team’s campus in Galesburg, Virginia. She’s refreshed, hair pulled back, and is wearing a pinkish orange jumper (a semi-subtle hint at what she’ll later describe as “very Trin” style). If our current video call era has somewhat flattened and attenuated the way we converse, none of its monotony is apparent here; Rodman feels like she’s genuinely across the table. She looks at me dead on. She holds eye contact. And she speaks freely.
“In the past,” she says, “we liked to have the ball. We liked to score. Now, it’s about being able to still have that hunger off the ball, then to have patience. Change the rhythm, slow it down, find the moment.”
Rodman is observing the USWNT’s in-real-time evolution as she and her teammates prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Gone, as of now, are the high-octane years of American near domination in global women’s soccer, which saw the USWNT win three out of six FIFA World Cups from 1999 to 2019 (with a razor-close miss on a fourth) and four Olympic gold medals from 1996 to 2012. In this epoch, offense was at the apex. It made athletes such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe household names. And it set an exospheric standard that, inevitably, would need to come back down to earth: At the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT did not advance past the round of 16. Knowing Paris was on the horizon, the team has since regrouped (and welcomed a new coach, Emma Hayes). Rodman, in this chapter, has emerged as their newest star, attracting big-name partners, such as Adidas.
The daughter of former NBA player Dennis Rodman, she also speaks often of “creativity” and differentiation, in both playing style and lifestyle, throughout our discussion. Such impulses may run in the family: Dennis was as offensive as he was defensive on the court, and moved extra-quickly between plays. Rodman herself seems to be keenly aware—almost in a sixth-sense manner, and definitely in terms of her focus—of the ebbs, flows, subtle shifts, and not-so-subtle big moments of team sport. The finesse needed to capitalize on all of it—not just the attack—is what she believes will be the key to the USWNT’s success going forward. Below, Rodman discusses the team’s dynamic heading into the Games, her own idols and interests, and a bit on her father’s famed fashions.
Vogue: Hey, Trinity. Thanks for talking to us today.
Trinity Rodman: Thank you! I’m glad we could speak.
The very first thing I wanted to ask was: What, personally, does this moment mean to you? Have you always dreamed of going to the Games?
I can’t even put into words the excitement. There was a lot of anticipation before the call, and then I finally got the call, and the anticipation sort of switched over to nerves. I’m actually on the roster. Oh, my gosh. But I do feel, like, for me, the biggest thing with the Olympics or the World Cup or any large-scale tournament in general is that I feel like each is an opportunity to change the women’s game in one way or another. Whether that’s expanding the fan base, showing off different styles of play, [demonstrating] creativity in the way we play and the way we score, the way we celebrate; if it’s fashion, if it’s swag, I think all of these major tournaments are huge platforms that we can use in such an amazing way.
In terms of your own fandom, and watching the USWNT while growing up, do you have any Olympic standouts in your memory’s highlight reel?
I was just talking about this! I feel like my answer changes all the time, because they were so good for so long, and there are so many moments that I keep catching. One that always sticks out to me was the US versus Canada game in 2012 [played in Manchester as part of the London Games], and they were tied at 3-3. Alex [Morgan] scored a header goal and won the game. It was sick.
I remember that! I actually went to the next match, when the USWNT beat Japan for gold. Was there anyone in particular, in your youth, that you looked up to? Anyone who was particularly influential?
They’re, honestly, all idols. But specifically, I would say I always touch on Tobin Heath because I feel, like, in her game, she shows a lot of creativity and spunk while also being explosive and fast. You can tell her mind is going a million miles per hour, but when she gets on the ball, everything slows down. It’s amazing to watch. She’s someone I’ve studied a lot.
What about across sports in general? Did you have any athlete role models or inspirations?
Kobe Bryant was a big one. And obviously, I had a personal connection with him, so that added to it. He was just…his mentality was like no other. The way that he worked the court, the way that he would toy with defenders. I always preach that being able to play with the defense is a huge part of the game. Kobe was so mentally fit all the time. Even if his team lost, he was winning the one-on-one battle.
Going into Paris, what do you feel is really clicking now, dynamic-wise, on the team?
In the past, we’ve been known for being a physical team—very athletic and kind of overpowering other teams. And now, as other teams are getting better, you have to dig a little bit deeper into that, and you really have to get into the tactics of the style of play, especially if you’re not always the most athletic or strongest person on the field. So I think a huge focus for us is finding connections, from our outside backs to wingers, with center forwards to tens and eights. What has been big for us is finding the moments to change the rhythm of the game and change the pace, and keeping calm off of the ball. Speeding it up, slowing it down, pausing, and shifting.
What is most challenging for you right now? High-stakes competition is one thing, but also, there’s the global spotlight that comes with the Olympic Games.
The surface answer is that I miss my family; I miss being home and I miss the comfort of all of that. But the harder answer is that I sometimes feel that, because everything is moving so quickly, I don’t have a lot of turnaround time. There isn’t much of a window to feel a sense of improvement. It’s a challenge to be okay with kind of just getting through it, and not always having the most amazing performance. I think this comes down to mentality. [It’s harder for me] to stay locked in. I always want to be doing as much as I can for this team.
It does feel like things kind of ramp up to lightning speed with the Games. It’s a flurry. I can imagine staying locked in is challenging. Do you get nervous before the start of a game?
Nerves are normal! I’m an overthinker, so I’ll go over every scenario in my head before it happens. But I think the best way to cope with it is just to reset your mind before you go on the field. I’ll put my AirPods in, think everything through, and just be alone with myself, which is nice, because usually I am very outgoing and loud. I love to be around people, but I’m now realizing that can be draining, sometimes.
What do you like to do to fill your time away from soccer?
I’ve always had an interest in being creative—drawing, painting, doodling, journaling. And, I’ve always loved to write. When I was younger, I wrote random stories, making things up. TikTok is also another outlet. It allows for some normalcy in a not-so-normal life. And it’s a nice way to connect with fans. That all said, anything to kind of be out there and express myself is huge for me.
That’s a good segue. We obviously have to ask about style. How do you express yourself through fashion?
I’d say my style is very loud, colorful, creative, and personal. I’m all over the board. I feel like I’ll wear whatever and somebody [inevitably] says, “oh, that’s such a Trin outfit.” I’m, like, “I don’t know what that means!” But I do think there’s a vibe to it. Whatever I find that looks cool, and whatever stands out, I am going to grab it. And that could be a genetic thing.
For sure, especially considering what your dad did for fashion and sports. How have you seen his style influence continue today?
I think he changed the game. I think he started that crazy out-there fashion in the NBA. People can disagree with me, and I’m probably biased, but I just think what he did in his time…it shows today. He kind of also showed the world not to be afraid to express yourself in any type of way, if that’s masculine, if that’s feminine…. You can do it, through fashion.
This is probably a hard choice, but do you have any favorite looks of his, over the years?
I would say it’s the more feminine ones, which I think are just so cool. There are celebrities doing it now, which I love. But I remember when he wore this sparkly tank top with these baggy jeans and it was just…back then, you would never think that a guy would ever put on a cropped, sparkly, girly tank top. I also loved his hair. The smiley face. The wedding dress was a freaking statement.
What labels are in heavy rotation in Trinity Rodman’s wardrobe?
I have a lot of Adidas. They really do have a fashion side. A lot of people think of it as just sports.
For sure. The first time I realized Adidas had more of a fashionable element was in watching Missy Elliott’s music videos back in the day.
The striped tracksuits! The tracksuits started it all.
And you worked with Adidas on your own cleat, right?
Yes, it’s called the F50. It’s my dream cleat, and I am not just saying that. I sometimes get sensitive on my heels, and these have a bit of a higher top and extra cushion in the back. I don’t wear my cleats super tight. I give myself a little bit of space because I shift a lot and accelerate a lot. Ahh… They’re amazing. I don’t ever want them to change.
Speaking of accessories: What bag are you rocking this summer?
Vintage! It’s this really old orange Gucci bag. Orange is my favorite color. Anything orange, I’m grabbing it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.