Image Source: ATP Tour
Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton have built their relationship around an unusual but powerful connection: both understand the demands of life as elite professional athletes. The Washington Spirit forward and American tennis star have continued supporting each other while navigating packed schedules, constant travel and the pressure of competing at the highest level.
The couple’s relationship became public in March 2025, and since then, they have increasingly appeared in each other’s sporting worlds. Shelton has regularly attended Washington Spirit matches, while Rodman has watched him compete at major tournaments across the United States and Europe.
Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton’s Powerful Support System
Shelton, 23, has become a familiar face at Spirit games. He watched Rodman score two goals against the Seattle Reign last September and later saw her produce another brace against the Houston Dash in July. Rodman, 24, has supported Shelton from his player box at tournaments including Munich, Madrid, Wimbledon, Cincinnati and New York.
Her next appearance comes during Shelton’s U.S. Open quarterfinal against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The match provides another example of how the two athletes make time for one another despite competing in different sports and maintaining demanding international schedules.
“I don’t look at him and think, ‘He’s an athlete,’” Rodman said on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” 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.”
Two Busy Careers, One Shared Understanding
Shelton’s tennis season began in Australia in January before moving through North America and Europe. Meanwhile, Washington’s 30-game NWSL campaign runs from March through November, with Rodman also handling international commitments for the United States women’s national team.
The summer brought an especially demanding stretch. The Spirit traveled to Mexico for the Concacaf W Champions Cup, while Rodman joined the USWNT for matches in Brazil before returning to the domestic season. On Sunday, she was in Portland, Oregon, helping create Washington’s winning goal against the Portland Thorns.
Shelton told the ATP Tour that their shared experiences make the relationship stronger. He pointed to the pressures of media appearances, sponsorship obligations, photoshoots, competition and professional expectations.
“Some people can say that it’s difficult to maintain a relationship where you have two professional athletes,” Shelton said. “But in my opinion, to have somebody who understands what you go through is very, very important.”
Learning Each Other’s Sports
Before dating Shelton, Rodman knew little about tennis. Much of her education came while sitting in his player box beside his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, who previously reached No. 55 in the world as a professional player.
Rodman has embraced the learning process, asking questions about tactics, player tendencies and match situations. She said she now knows enough to discuss tennis with Shelton’s family and follow the sport in a more informed way.
Shelton has also become more invested in soccer. The couple now holds postgame discussions about Rodman’s performances, although she acknowledged that the analysis is not always welcome.
“We have our little postgame debriefs on the games now,” Rodman said. “Sometimes I love it. Sometimes I hate it.”
Their playful exchanges have occasionally unfolded in public. After Shelton watched Rodman score twice in Washington’s 2-0 win over Seattle, he used a microphone after the match to ask about her combination play with Croix Bethune. Days earlier, Rodman had attended one of Shelton’s U.S. Open press conferences and challenged him over his serving speed.
A Relationship That Challenges Sports Stereotypes
Rodman entered the NWSL as an 18-year-old in 2021 and helped Washington win the championship during her rookie season. She later became an Olympic champion with the United States. In January, she agreed to a contract that made her the league’s highest-paid player annually and contributed to the introduction of the NWSL’s High Impact Player rule.
That rule allows teams to spend up to $1 million above the salary cap on players who meet certain criteria. Rodman’s status reflects her influence both on and off the field, making her use of the term “WAG” particularly distinctive.
Traditionally used to describe the wives and girlfriends of prominent male athletes, the label often reduces women to their relationships. Rodman, however, said she uses it deliberately as a way to step away from the intense public identity she carries as a celebrated athlete.
“For me saying WAG, I’m saying ‘I’m just Ben’s girlfriend,’” Rodman said. “For me, I think that’s why I enjoy that word, but I can understand why it’s so hated.”
For Rodman and Shelton, the relationship appears to offer more than publicity. It provides companionship, honest feedback and a rare understanding of the physical and emotional demands of elite sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Trinity Rodman dating?
Trinity Rodman is dating American tennis player Ben Shelton. Their relationship became public in March 2025.
What team does Trinity Rodman play for?
Rodman plays forward for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League and also represents the United States women’s national team.
How does Ben Shelton support Trinity Rodman?
Shelton attends Washington Spirit matches, watches Rodman compete and discusses her performances with her after games.
Which major match was Rodman expected to attend?
Rodman was expected to attend Shelton’s U.S. Open quarterfinal against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in New York.
