Trinity Rodman, one of the brightest faces in American women’s soccer, has added a new layer to her public profile. She’s confirmed her relationship with Ben Shelton, the dynamic tennis player who recently reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the world. Their joint Instagram debut was sweet and straightforward, and fans have been buzzing ever since.
Shelton, 22, posted a casual photo carousel that ended with Rodman kissing him on the cheek. His caption read, “I been focused, but I’m steady climbin’. I’m nowhere near my peak.” Rodman, also 22, chimed in with a playful comment: “Shooters shoot I guess.” It was brief, but it said everything.
They had teased this announcement for weeks on TikTok. Each posted a clip set to the same track, hinting at someone new in their life. Observant viewers noticed that their cryptic messages spelled out each other’s names. While no one knew for sure if they were dating, tennis stars Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe had dropped telling comments on social media. Gauff wrote, “hard launchhhhh!!” when Shelton finally shared the elevator selfie, and Tiafoe simply said, “We gram now,” letting the world know it wasn’t a big secret among insiders.
A rising pair: Sports worlds collide
Rodman’s family name is instantly recognizable. She’s the daughter of Dennis Rodman, the former NBA player known for his fierce rebounding and flamboyant style off the court. But Trinity has worked hard to carve out her own identity.
She was the youngest player drafted into the NWSL at 18 and plays forward for the Washington Spirit. She recently spoke about wanting to compete overseas someday, saying she’d regret not taking that step in her career. She also helped the U.S. women’s national team claim Olympic gold in 2024, scoring goals highlighting her potential as a forward with big ambitions.
Meanwhile, Shelton is equally driven. He has earned over $6 million in prize money. He remains coached by his father, Bryan Shelton, a former pro player, and an NCAA championship-winning coach. Ben’s explosive serve and fearless approach have made him one of the most talked-about young athletes in men’s tennis.
The pair’s combined energy draws attention from the tennis court and the football pitch. They’re handling it with humor and self-assurance, staying focused on their sports while celebrating this personal milestone. Their social media banter reflects a modern way of “going public,” offering fans a glimpse into their life without revealing every detail.
