Trinity Rodman Aims for Another NWSL Title with Team-First Approach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Forward Trinity Rodman expressed confidence in her evolving team-first mentality as a significant element in her pursuit of another National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title. The upcoming match on Saturday will mark Rodman’s second appearance in the NWSL Championship in just four professional seasons.

During the 2021 final, Rodman played a pivotal role by providing the decisive assist in extra time, which secured the Spirit’s first-ever NWSL trophy. Since that major triumph, the 22-year-old athlete has developed into one of the world’s leading players. She notably scored three goals during the 2024 Olympics and was a consistent presence on the forward line, contributing to the USWNT‘s fifth gold medal win.

«I don’t want to say it’s surprised me, but I’m extremely happy with the way that the year has gone,» Rodman shared ahead of the anticipated matchup at CPKC Stadium. «I couldn’t have asked for a better Olympics. I think the biggest thing for me has been not getting too hung up on mistakes and celebrating other people. I think that has been really good for my development.»

Rodman emphasized her growth this year has come from focusing on being part of a cohesive team and learning from teammates. «Really successful players that are developing can get really stuck in themselves and only thinking about their performance, when I feel like it’s bigger than that,» she noted.

The influx of high-caliber attacking talent in the NWSL, according to Rodman, serves as motivation. «Obviously, being an attacker for the U.S. women’s national team and for the NWSL, I want to strive to be the best,» Rodman stated. «So, when there are people getting these titles and getting these trophies, you want to strive to get that. That alone I think pushes you when they’re getting awards that you want to get.»

Rodman concluded the regular season with eight goals, tying for sixth in the league. Her opponent in Saturday’s final, a forward on the opposing team, finished with 13 goals, while another player claimed the Golden Boot with a record-setting 20 goals.

«It shows where the sport is going and with players like that that push the game and push the players to be better, that’s just bringing in more people,» Rodman commented on the deep pool of talent in the league.

Earlier this season, Rodman had to miss a matchup against the Orlando Pride due to back spasms, which were exacerbated during a tackle in a previous game against the Current. Despite setbacks, the Spirit managed to finish second in the league, matching Orlando’s record with 18 victories each.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Rodman, who was part of a championship-winning rookie team three years ago, expressed a strengthened sense of confidence and camaraderie under the guidance of owner Michele Kang and head coach Jonatan Giraldez. «I don’t want to say comfortable, but I’m a lot more confident in myself and in the team,» she said. «There’s less bad nerves and more good nerves. We’ve created a good foundation and I think we’ve figured out what this team’s identity is.»