Trinity Rodman has become one of the biggest names in American soccer, but her personal life has also attracted major attention thanks to her relationship with tennis star Ben Shelton. The pair have increasingly been seen supporting each other across soccer and tennis, creating one of the most recognizable young athlete couples in American sports.
Who Is Trinity Rodman?
Trinity Rodman is an elite American soccer player who has built an impressive career with the Washington Spirit and the U.S. women’s national team. She entered the NWSL at just 18 years old after being selected second overall in the 2021 draft.
Rodman helped the Washington Spirit win the NWSL championship during her rookie season and later became an Olympic gold medalist with the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In January 2026, she agreed to a contract that made her the highest-paid player in NWSL history on an annual basis.
Despite coming from a famous family, Rodman has established herself as a star in her own right.
Is Trinity Rodman Ben Shelton’s Girlfriend?
Yes. Trinity Rodman is the girlfriend of American tennis player Ben Shelton. The two publicly confirmed their relationship in March 2025 after weeks of dating speculation.
The relationship first gained attention through playful interactions on TikTok before Shelton made the romance public on Instagram. He shared an elevator selfie featuring Rodman kissing his cheek, making their relationship much harder to keep private.
Since then, Rodman and Shelton have regularly supported each other at major sporting events.
How Did Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton Meet?
Rodman later revealed that she was the one who made the first move. During an appearance on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast in 2026, she explained that she slid into Shelton’s direct messages.
Rodman sent Shelton a message praising him, and he responded within about 10 minutes. Their connection eventually developed into a relationship.
For a while, the pair kept their romance relatively private. Tennis player Frances Tiafoe had previously suggested that he helped bring the two together, but Rodman later clarified that she was the one who reached out to Shelton.
A Relationship Built Around Two Sports
One reason Rodman and Shelton appear to connect so well is that both understand the demands of professional sports.
Rodman has described Shelton as her “rock,” while Shelton has spoken about the value of being with someone who understands the pressure that comes with being a professional athlete.
Their careers involve travel, media attention, sponsorships, competition and constant public scrutiny. Because both experience those pressures, they can relate to each other’s professional lives in a way that many couples cannot.
They have also become increasingly involved in each other’s sports.
Trinity Rodman Supports Shelton at the US Open
Rodman has attended several of Shelton’s tennis tournaments, including events in Munich, Madrid, Wimbledon, Cincinnati and New York.
At the 2026 US Open, she was again spotted supporting Shelton. On Sept. 2, she attracted attention when she wore an “I Heart My Boyfriend” shirt while cheering him on.
Her support has also extended beyond simply watching matches. At the BMW Open in Munich in April 2025, Rodman sat in Shelton’s players’ box during his semifinal against Alex Michelsen, alongside his father and coach, Bryan Shelton. She also attended the final the following day.
Rodman Learned Tennis From Shelton’s Family
When Rodman and Shelton started dating, she admitted that she did not know much about tennis.
That has changed significantly. By spending time in Shelton’s players’ box, including sitting alongside his father, she has learned more about the game, player tendencies and match strategy.
Shelton has similarly become more interested in soccer through Rodman. The couple can now discuss each other’s matches and offer perspectives based on their experiences as elite athletes.
Who Are Ben Shelton’s Parents?
The question of Ben Shelton parents often comes up because tennis runs strongly in his family.
Ben is the son of Bryan Shelton and Lisa Shelton, both former professional tennis players. Bryan reached a career-high ranking of No. 55 in the world and later became a coach.
Bryan has also coached Ben during his professional career, making Rodman’s presence in Shelton’s player box even more meaningful.
Dennis Rodman and Trinity Rodman
Trinity Rodman is also widely known because of her connection to Dennis Rodman, the former NBA star.
Dennis Rodman is Trinity’s father, but she has worked to establish an identity that goes far beyond being the daughter of a famous basketball player. Her accomplishments in soccer, including her NWSL success and Olympic gold medal, have made her a major sports figure in her own right.
Her relationship with Shelton has added another layer of public attention, but Rodman’s career remains the foundation of her profile.
Trinity Rodman Embraces the WAG Label
Rodman has also offered an interesting perspective on the term “WAG,” which is often used to describe the partners of professional athletes.
She said she personally does not mind the label because it can simplify her public identity. Instead of constantly being viewed only through the lens of her own high-profile career, being described as Ben Shelton’s girlfriend can sometimes allow her to step into a simpler role.
At the same time, she recognizes why some people dislike the term and feel it can overshadow women’s own achievements.
Ben Shelton and His Girlfriend Continue to Support Each Other
The relationship between Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton has become increasingly visible as both athletes continue to progress in their careers.
Rodman has become one of the leading figures in American women’s soccer, while Shelton has established himself among the world’s top tennis players. Their willingness to attend each other’s competitions shows how closely their professional and personal lives have become connected.
For fans searching for information about the ben shelton girlfriend, shelton girlfriend, ben shelton parents, trinity rodman, and dennis rodman, the story is ultimately about two young athletes building successful careers while navigating a high-profile relationship in the public eye.
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