The Washington Spirit selected Trinity Rodman with the second overall pick in Wednesday night’s National Women’s Soccer League draft, making Rodman the youngest selection in NWSL history.
Rodman, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, was a standout player for the Under-20 U.S National Team at the 2020 CONCACAF U20 Women’s Championship in March 2020.
“He was an amazing athlete, and I got those genes from him, but I’m excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just as Rodman’s daughter,” Trinity Rodman said (via ESPN). “I’m excited to pave my own path and get better throughout this journey.”
The 18-year-old forward scored eight goals and chipped in six assists en route to a championship. She scored twice in the title game, pushing Team USA past Mexico, 4-1.
The moment Trinity Rodman joined the #SpiritFam ❤️#NWSLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZafqZsaFND
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 14, 2021
Rodman was a finalist for U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year award. Rodman attended Washington State, but she’s turning professional without playing a minute for the Cougars — the fall season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Expansion team Racing Louisville chose North Carolina defender Emily Fox with the first pick before Washington nabbed Rodman.
The Spirit drafted four other players Wednesday night. They used the No. 8 pick to select Tara McKeown, a forward from USC. Midfielder/forward Anna Heilferty was selected with the 19th pick out Boston University, and goalkeeper Sydney Schneider was chosen 29th overall from UNC Wilmington. To round out the draft class, Washington chose forward Mariana Speckmaier from Clemson with the 39th pick.
The NCAA is pursuing a spring season after the fall campaign was canceled. The Spirit’s draft class will have until Jan. 22 to decide whether they wish to play for their colleges or join NWSL camps. Rodman had already decided to join Washington.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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