Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Trinity Rodman has opened up about her complicated relationship with her father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman.
Speaking candidly on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, the 21-year-old soccer phenom shared how her father’s absence and tumultuous lifestyle deeply affected her childhood and their relationship.
“He’s Not a Dad”
“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” Trinity said, describing the pain of her father’s sporadic involvement in her life.
She recalled periods of instability, including living in a Ford Expedition with her mother and brother, DJ, during difficult financial times, despite Dennis Rodman’s lucrative NBA career, where he reportedly earned over $27 million.
Trinity recounted how attempts to live with her father were marred by his partying lifestyle.
“He was partying 24/7, bringing random women in. He loves the spotlight and the cameras,” she said.
A Career of Triumph Amidst Personal Struggles
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Despite her challenging upbringing, Trinity has carved out a remarkable career in soccer. She became the youngest player ever drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2021 at just 18 years old.
She now boasts an impressive record, including 10 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances for the USWNT.
Her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was instrumental in securing a gold medal, where she contributed three goals, including a dramatic extra-time winner in the quarterfinals against Japan.
However, her father’s sporadic appearances have brought mixed emotions. Dennis Rodman’s unannounced attendance at a Washington Spirit playoff game in 2021 left Trinity conflicted.
“I started crying on the field. I was trying to play and couldn’t focus,” she shared. While their post-game embrace went viral, Trinity later admitted it was another fleeting moment of hope.
Hope Lost
Reflecting on their strained dynamic, Trinity shared that after years of dashed expectations, she has let go of the hope for reconciliation.
“Every time he would come around, I’d think, ‘Okay, this is it.’ And then months or years would go by with nothing. I’ve lost hope in ever getting him back,” she said.
Dennis Rodman, who famously didn’t meet his own father until his late 30s, has previously expressed struggles with parenthood, telling ESPN in 2019, “For some reason, it’s very hard for me to break out of that cycle.”
Moving Forward
Trinity Rodman’s story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity.
As she continues to excel in her soccer career, she remains a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar familial challenges.
