US Women`s National Team standout Trinity Rodman has disclosed that the back problems she has experienced for several years are likely to be a long-term issue. She stated that she doesn`t believe her back will ever be at full strength.
Rodman made her first start of 2025 on Friday in the Washington Spirit`s 2-0 victory over Bay FC, marking her return after a significant absence. The back injuries, which have troubled her since her rookie season with the Spirit in 2021, resurfaced last September, sidelining her for almost a month. Although she returned for the Spirit`s playoff run, which concluded with a loss to the Orlando Pride in the NWSL Championship in November, Spirit coach Jonathan Giraldez chose not to risk Rodman in the NWSL Challenge Cup earlier this month. However, she has participated in all three regular season games so far and addressed the chronic nature of her injury on Friday.
“Honestly, I don`t think my back will ever be 100 percent,” she told reporters, according to Pro Soccer Wire. “It`s not any single issue, but rather the structure of my back. It’s more about managing it than finding a complete cure. We`ve managed it effectively, and I`m pleased with the progress. But personally, I don`t expect my back to ever be as it was in my rookie year, which is unfortunate.”
This recurring back problem has caused Rodman to miss a considerable number of games at various points in her career, often at inconvenient times. Last season`s injury occurred after her vital contribution to the USWNT`s gold medal victory at the Olympics and during an NWSL season where she was in contention for the MVP award.
“It`s challenging for me, especially after a successful season and the Olympics, to then face an injury and now try to regain my footing, my role, and my rhythm,” Rodman continued. “Having built up so much momentum and then getting injured feels like starting over. You can`t just jump back in at the same level. For me, the mental struggle is accepting that I can`t immediately be the same Trinity I was at the Olympics after returning from injury. So, I`m focused on playing my role as effectively as possible and contributing in different ways as I build back up.”
Rodman’s Return to USWNT
Rodman will now concentrate on the USWNT, who have two matches against Brazil in April as they prepare for the 2027 Women`s World Cup. This marks her first inclusion in the USWNT roster since the Olympics, as coach Emma Hayes opted to give Rodman rest after a demanding season for both club and country. Hayes has also been involved in managing Rodman’s back issues by consulting specialists.
“She`s been very open to everything I`ve suggested and even proactively contacts me to ask about my well-being and to inform me that they are working behind the scenes to find people to help with my back, as it`s a difficult injury location, especially in sports where knee-down injuries are more common,” Rodman said about Hayes at the NWSL media day in January. “It`s been really positive. She`s very supportive and thoughtful of all of us, which is great.”
Hayes does not intend to rush Rodman back into full action. With the long lead-up to the World Cup, the coach is embracing experimentation and aims to use the Brazil games to assess her less experienced squad. However, Hayes acknowledged that Rodman might not be ready for a significant role in the upcoming friendlies.
“We’re thrilled to have her back with us,” Hayes stated during a press conference last week. “But of course, I must urge some caution because she has a persistent back issue. I believe she is progressing well, but it can easily be aggravated. You can go from a managed return to play to doing too much, so I need to find the right balance in camp to reintegrate her into the team while also managing her condition, as she has a long season ahead.”
