As the Washington Spirit prepare for their highly-anticipated clash against the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship, all eyes are on one player – Trinity Rodman. The 22-year-old forward has had a remarkable year, both for club and country, and now stands on the brink of adding another prestigious title to her already impressive resume.
A Team-First Mentality
Rodman attributes much of her growth and success this season to a shift in her mindset, focusing more on being a team player rather than dwelling on individual performances. “I don’t want to say it’s surprised me, but I’m extremely happy with the way that the year has gone,” she reflected. “The biggest thing for me has been not getting too hung up on mistakes and celebrating other people.”
This attitude was evident during the Olympics, where Rodman played a pivotal role in helping the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) secure their fifth gold medal. Starting every match, she netted three crucial goals and proved her ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Rising Competition in the NWSL
The influx of top attacking talent into the NWSL has not gone unnoticed by Rodman. Players like Barbra Banda, who will line up opposite her in the final, have raised the bar and challenged established stars to elevate their game.
Obviously, being an attacker for the U.S. women’s national team and for the NWSL, I want to strive to be the best and I want to be the best that I can be,
Trinity Rodman on the rising competition in the NWSL
Banda claimed the Golden Boot this season with a record-breaking 20 goals, while Rodman tied for sixth with eight. However, the Spirit forward sees this as motivation to push herself further, acknowledging that “when there are people getting these titles and getting these trophies, you want to strive to get that.”
Bouncing Back for Glory
Washington’s last meeting with Orlando ended in a 2-0 defeat, a match Rodman missed due to back spasms. However, she’s determined to make amends in the final, joking that things can only improve from their previous visit to CPKC Stadium.
Under the guidance of head coach Jonatan Giraldez and the stewardship of owner Michele Kang, the Spirit have fostered a positive environment that has allowed Rodman to flourish. The team’s record-setting 18 wins this season are a testament to their progress since their 2021 championship run.
I’m a lot more confident in myself and in the team. 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,
Trinity Rodman on the Spirit’s growth and preparations for the final
As kickoff approaches, Rodman and her teammates are laser-focused on the task at hand. With a championship trophy within reach and a chance to cap off a truly golden year, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash between two of the NWSL’s most exciting teams. For Trinity Rodman, it’s an opportunity to cement her status as one of the world’s premier players and lead her club to glory once more.
