Newport Beach’s Trinity Rodman selected No. 2 overall in National Women’s Soccer League draft

Newport Beach resident Trinity Rodman was selected by the Washington Spirit with the No. 2 overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft on Wednesday, becoming the youngest player drafted in league history.

Rodman, 18, who turned pro earlier this week, is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman. However, the striker is clearly interested in making a name for herself.

“Obviously he was an amazing athlete and I got those genes from him, but I am just excited to be known as Trinity Rodman, and not Dennis Rodman’s daughter,” she told reporters via Zoom after she was selected.

Rodman played one year of high school soccer for Corona del Mar High as a freshman before transferring to JSerra with her older brother D.J. She never actually played for the Lions, though.

A longtime club player for the SoCal Blues, Rodman signed with Washington State, but never played with the Cougars last fall due to the coronavirus pandemic. She has been a standout on United States youth national teams over the years, and had eight goals for the team that won the 2020 CONCACAF Under-20 title last March in the Dominican Republic.

CdM girls’ soccer coach Bryan Middleton watched Rodman’s selection with interest on Wednesday.

“I think with the modern game of women’s soccer she fits the mold of a fast-paced forward who can finish goals at any level,” Middleton said in a text message. “I wish her the best in her professional career!”
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