Who Is Trinity Rodman? Ben Shelton's 'WAG' Is the World's Highest-Paid Female Football Star

Spectators at Ben Shelton's US Open matches may have noticed one of the most animated figures in his player box: his girlfriend Trinity Rodman. While tennis fans might label her a WAG (wives and girlfriends of athletes), in football she is far more than that. Rodman is the world's highest-paid female footballer, a title earned through talent and determination rather than association.

Her profile is further elevated by family ties. She is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman. While the two have a complicated relationship, Dennis made clear his admiration for his daughter following her historic contract with the Washington Spirit.

Who Is Trinity Rodman?

Trinity was born on 20 May 2002, to Michelle Moyer and former Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman. She also has a younger brother, DJ Rodman, who plays for the NBA G League, and an older sister from Moyer's previous relationship.

Dennis was largely absent from Trinity and DJ's life. Trinity has spoken candidly about difficult times, recalling on a podcast: 'Imagine living in a car going to a rich school; it was the most weird thing. We were living in a car, but then we could afford to stay in a motel for a little bit, so we were kind of back and forth.'

The ex-NBA player later expressed regret for not being in his children's lives. 'I have one regret—I wish I was a better father,' he said in 2011 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

When Trinity signed a three-year contract with the Washington Spirit in January 2026, Dennis posted the news to his Instagram story, writing: 'History.' The contract is for more than $2 million (more than £1.5 million) every year, including bonuses. It is the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) highest-value contract in history.

'Game-Changing Moment'

'It feels amazing, I'm very happy, I'm very blessed,' Trinity said after signing the contract. 'I think it's a monumental and game-changing moment right now. I can't even describe in words what it feels like. Obviously, everyone's going to have their different thoughts and opinions about it, but I've never really cared. So, that doesn't change anything for me.'

Trinity started playing football when she was just four years old. By the time she was seven or eight, the pitch already 'felt like home.' At 10, she started playing for the SoCal Blues, which won multiple Elite Clubs National League titles.

She continued playing through high school and briefly attended college before being drafted by the Washington Spirit in 2021 at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest player to be drafted in NWSL history. She turned professional without playing a college match. She has been a member of the United States Women's National Team since 2022.

Relationship With Ben Shelton

While Trinity is in the middle of a regular season in NWSL, she is often seen courtside to cheer for Shelton's matches at the US Open. The pair have been together since 2025. 'I don't look at him and think, "He's an athlete,"' Trinity said in another podcast.

'I look at him like that's my rock and every time I do something, I like to look at him and know we are on the same page on something.' Fans have enjoyed watching her lively presence during the US Open.