After months of grueling recovery and physical therapy, 23-year-old USWNT star Trinity Rodman made a glorious return to competitive action on Sunday, August 3. In her first appearance since a long injury layoff, she scored the match-winning goal for the Washington Spirit and lifted the team to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. 

Subbed in during the 76th minute, she immediately injected energy into the Spirit’s attack. With the score tied at one apiece, she found a pocket of space and delivered a final goal that sent Audi Field into a frenzy. The goal wasn’t just a stat. But it was a statement. It signaled that Rodman is not only back, but determined to reclaim her role as one of the NWSL’s brightest stars. For the Spirit, her presence on the pitch was a much-needed boost during a crucial stretch of the season.

Understanding this backstory, Magic Johnson wrote a heartfelt message on X. He wrote, “Welcome back, superstar Trinity Rodman! Congratulations on scoring the game-winning goal for our Washington Spirit in a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. The entire National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has missed you!” After the Olympic Games, Rodman was in constant pain, with her back injury relapsing and affecting nearly every aspect of her daily routine. “I think, for me, mentally, it was really hard. I can now kind of openly say I was in pain all the time – working through that was difficult,” she said, reflecting on the emotional and physical toll the injury took on her. The recovery period wasn’t just about healing her body, it became a mental battle against frustration.

Rodman admitted that she went through some of the lowest points of her life during this time. It often led to the question whether she would ever return to the pitch at full strength. Despite the setbacks and dark moments, Rodman remained steadfast in her objective. Her unwavering determination to get back on the field and prove herself once more became the fuel that drove her long rehabilitation journey.

And after the game-winning goal, Trinity shared her emotional thoughts. She said, “Holy cow, that was just the hardest thing I’ve had to go through with injury and everything. So, being back with the team, especially at home, with the stadium and the crowd behind me, scoring a goal like that, you saw I buried it. I was not going to miss it.” The Olympic gold medalist also added that he is just really happy to be back, and she missed the team. Trinity added, “I missed doing what I love.” And after her victorious goal, Trinity Rodman’s boyfriend, Ben Shelton, also reacted to the superb goal. 

Boyfriend Ben Shelton sent a heartfelt message to Trinity Rodman 

Ben Shelton shared an emotional message to Trinity after the game-winning goal, saying, “I think Trinity Rodman scoring a goal, one-year anniversary from her incredible goal at the Olympics, hadn’t played in 100-something days, and she goes in and in 15 minutes scores a banger. It’s pretty cool, especially because she was emotional. I’m always happy for her.” His statement came after his 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1) victory over Flavio Cobolli. 

The couple officially stepped into the spotlight in March this year after dropping multiple hints on TikTok while teasing their growing connection through playful videos. The speculation reached a new level when Ben included Trinity in one of his Instagram posts. It was an elevator selfie that, while casual, sparked surprise and excitement from both players and fans alike. It was essentially a confirmation of what many had already begun to suspect. 

Since then, they’ve been loud and proud supporters of each other. Whether it’s Trinity cheering Ben on from the stands or Ben posting messages of encouragement before her matches, the couple has embraced their relationship publicly. Their bond continues to captivate fans across both sports communities.