Rising USWNT star Trinity Rodman, fresh off her Olympic gold medal performance in Paris, has opened up about the difficulties in her relationship with her famous father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman. In a revealing interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, the 21-year-old forward didn’t mince words about Dennis’ absence from her life.
“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.”
– Trinity Rodman on her father Dennis Rodman
Shielding His Kids From Chaos
Trinity explained that her mother, Michelle Moyer, who divorced Dennis in 2012, tried to protect her and her brother DJ from their father’s turbulent lifestyle. DJ Rodman currently plays in the NBA G League, following in his dad’s basketball footsteps, while Trinity has blazed her own path to soccer stardom.
Unexpected Appearance Sparks Tears
The complicated father-daughter dynamic came to a head in 2021 when Dennis made a surprise appearance at one of Trinity’s playoff games with the Washington Spirit. The two hadn’t spoken in months, and the reunion left Trinity in tears.
“The whistle blew and I was so mad, like, ‘You took this happy moment from me. You [expletive] with my head again.’ I think after that was when I lost hope of ever getting him back. It was just like, he’s popping in whenever he’s going to be on a camera.”
– Trinity Rodman on her father’s unexpected appearance
Triumphs Amidst Family Turmoil
Despite the emotional challenges, Trinity has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in women’s soccer. She won Rookie of the Year and a championship with the Spirit in 2021, just months after the playoff incident with her father. Her meteoric rise continued with a dominant performance at the Paris Olympics, helping lead the USWNT to gold.
Dennis Responds With Regret
For his part, Dennis Rodman took to Instagram to express remorse over his shortcomings as a parent. In an emotional post, the five-time NBA champion pleaded for another chance, vowing to keep trying to reconnect with his children.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t the dad you wanted me to be… I will try even when it’s difficult and if it takes a long time. I’m always here.”
– Dennis Rodman’s Instagram response to Trinity
Overcoming Adversity On and Off the Field
As Trinity Rodman continues her ascent in the soccer world, her journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of familial hardship. While her relationship with her famous father remains strained, she has proven that her own talent and drive can take her to the pinnacle of her sport, with or without paternal support.
For now, the Rodman legacy in sports appears destined to be carried forward by Trinity and DJ on their own terms, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in the shadow of an iconic but flawed father figure. As Trinity’s star continues to rise, her story serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to overcome personal adversity in pursuit of their dreams.
