Emma Hayes Highlights Trinity Rodman’s Readiness for National Team Return

United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes has announced that Trinity Rodman is prepared to take on greater responsibilities as she re-joins the national squad for the first time since April 2025.

Rodman is included in Hayes’ roster, which is centered around players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), for a training camp in Southern California. The camp will feature matches against Paraguay on January 24 and Chile on January 27.

Due to a recurring back injury, the 23-year-old forward has represented the U.S. team only once since her significant contribution during the 2024 Olympic gold medal victory, where she scored just six minutes into a 2-0 win over Brazil in April.

“I communicated to her this week that we have missed her in many ways, particularly because she brings a unique energy and vibrant personality that enhances our environment,” Hayes stated in an interview with ESPN’s “Futbol W.”

“I’ve assigned her additional responsibilities this week, and I believe this is beneficial for her growth. She is eager to embrace these challenges and is ready to advance in her career. Her return marks what I hope will be the beginning of a very successful year for her.”

Rodman is currently listed as “unattached” on the U.S. Women’s National Team roster, a designation she shares with only a few players throughout the team’s history. This is because her previous contract with the Washington Spirit expired at the end of last year, rendering her a free agent.

Discussions surrounding Rodman’s future—and its implications for the NWSL—have been a major topic since the NWSL Championship in late November. During that match, Rodman was limited to a bench role as Washington faced its second consecutive NWSL Championship defeat, recovering from an MCL sprain sustained in October.

Now healthy enough to return to the national team, Hayes emphasized that it will take time and consistent effort for Rodman to regain her optimal performance level.

“There are numerous individuals involved in ensuring that Trin not only reaches her desired level but also maintains it,” Hayes explained. “She has proactively sought the right information, gained an understanding of her body, and focused on appropriate training.

“We discussed that this process doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time and consistency to build the necessary strength for her back to handle the game’s demands.

“For her this year, it’s imperative that she takes responsibility, both on and off the field, to ensure she engages in regular maintenance. It all revolves around the other 22 hours of her day and how she utilizes that time. If she can master that, I anticipate her continued growth and success.”

ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf contributed to this report.