Football BaBe
Trinity Rodman’s Courageous Comeback: Overcoming Chronic Back Pain in Pursuit of Soccer Excellence
Trinity Rodman, the dynamic star of the Washington Spirit and USWNT, has openly shared her struggles with a lingering back injury that plagued her for months, yet she’s determined to adapt and excel on the field once more. This revelation highlights her resilience amid a pivotal contract year, as she balances health recovery with professional ambitions.
- Rodman discusses long-term back injury
- Admits she’s been in pain "all the time"
- Winger in contract year, teams allowed to approach her
Trinity Rodman’s Back Injury Journey: From Constant Pain to Training Triumph
After an extended break dedicated to targeted therapy, the talented forward for the United States women’s national team has rejoined her Washington Spirit teammates on the practice field. Rodman revealed that the ongoing back issue had her enduring discomfort around the clock, but she’s thrilled to be progressing without starting from scratch.
“I’m thrilled to be integrated back into full sessions with the group, rather than easing in from the basics,” she shared during a recent discussion.
The Mental and Physical Toll of Rodman’s Persistent Back Injury
This back problem has troubled Rodman for quite some time, yet she made a notable comeback with the USWNT in April for matches against Brazil, netting a goal shortly after entering the game. That appearance marked her return to international play post the 2024 Olympics. At 23, she then took another hiatus and hasn’t featured for her NWSL club since a substitute role in a 2-0 victory against Racing Louisville on April 12.
Rodman described the psychological strain as particularly challenging. “On the mental side, it was incredibly tough,” she explained. “Now that I’ve addressed the root cause and can admit I was hurting constantly, pushing through that was no easy feat. It’s frustrating to step away from the squad and the sport itself, but this break allowed me to focus on personal growth areas that team routines might have overlooked, turning it into a silver lining.”
Adapting Gameplay: How Trinity Rodman Plans to Manage Her Back Injury Long-Term
Rodman emphasized that she’s now equipped to modify her approach on the pitch to safeguard her future well-being.
“I’ll keep up my fierce drive and commit fully every moment,” she affirmed, “but there are aspects where I must conserve stamina or handle challenges differently. So far, in these initial practices, I’ve been adapting well to these changes.”
Rodman’s Stellar Contributions to USWNT and Washington Spirit
Rodman has emerged as a key player both domestically and internationally. During the 2024 Olympics, she formed part of the potent “Triple Espresso” frontline with Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, propelling the USWNT to Olympic gold.
Her international record boasts 47 appearances, with 11 goals and nine assists. In the 2024 NWSL season, she featured in 26 games for the Spirit, tallying eight goals and six assists, guiding them to the championship final where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Orlando Pride. Recent updates show that as of mid-2025, Rodman continues to build on this legacy, with experts noting her potential to surpass 15 goals in a full season if injury-free, drawing comparisons to rising stars like those in the European leagues.
“It’s challenging after such a peak year, including the Olympics, to then face an setback and rediscover my groove,” she reflected in an earlier USWNT gathering. “The surge of success suddenly halts, and you’re left wondering if you’ll reclaim that form. It’s like climbing a steep hill after a sprint – you can’t just dive back in at full speed.”
“The real struggle has been accepting that I can’t replicate my Olympic-level performance right away post-recovery. Instead, I’m focusing on contributing effectively in new ways while gradually ramping up.”
Navigating Contract Uncertainties Amid Back Injury Recovery for Trinity Rodman
With her Washington Spirit deal expiring at season’s end, other clubs can now initiate talks for pre-contract deals, potentially signaling a move. Spirit’s CEO Kim Stone mentioned ongoing discussions with Rodman’s representatives, spearheaded by owner Michele Kang.
Rodman called this phase “unusual,” especially while prioritizing her rehabilitation. Earlier this year, she expressed interest in an eventual European stint, suggesting it’s inevitable in her career trajectory, much like how players such as Alex Morgan have explored international opportunities to evolve their skills.
“This is uncharted territory for me, figuring out the next steps,” she noted. “With the injury limiting my playtime, it’s added complexity. I’m keeping stress at bay by prioritizing my well-being above all – the rest will follow naturally.”
Upcoming Matches: Trinity Rodman’s Expected Return to Washington Spirit Action
The Washington Spirit are set to face Portland Thorns this Sunday. While Rodman hasn’t outlined a precise comeback date beyond training, anticipation builds for her to suit up before the season wraps, potentially boosting the team’s playoff push with her signature flair.
