Emma Hayes talks about Trinity Rodman’s recovery
The United States women’s national team coach, Emma Hayes, has expressed caution about the return of forward Trinity Rodman to the playing fields. Hayes stated that she cannot set a timeframe for Rodman’s return, but assured that the player “is definitely going in the right direction.”
Rodman has had limited participation this year, both in her club and in the national team, due to a recurring back injury. Her last match was on April 12 with the Washington Spirit.
I don’t know when she will return, but I know Trin is receiving everyone’s support and we hope for a speedy recovery.
Emma Hayes
The club issued a statement last month informing that Rodman was taking some time away from team activities to address his back problem. His agent, Mike Senkowski, mentioned that Rodman was meeting with a team doctor in London.
Since then, the club has not provided a formal update on Rodman’s situation.
Hayes also noted that Rodman is seeking a long-term solution for her injury. “I think, with respect to her back problem, she wants to get to a point where it doesn’t keep recurring. So I think these are the right steps for her.”
Rodman’s back problems worsened last fall during a match against the Kansas City Current, where she had to be taken off in a wheelchair before returning to the bench. “I don’t think my back will ever be 100 percent,” the player commented last month.
“It’s a problem that’s not one specific thing; it’s the way my back is structured,” Rodman explained. “And it’s more management than a curable solution.”
Rodman returned to the field with the USWNT on April 3 against Brazil, her first appearance since helping the team win the Olympic gold medal last August. She scored five minutes into that match and faked a back injury as part of the celebration.
However, Rodman has only played once since then with the Spirit, coming on as a substitute at halftime on April 12 in the victory against Racing Louisville FC.
“She’s doing great,” Hayes said of Rodman. “We speak regularly. There’s certainly been a multidisciplinary approach to supporting Trin, both at club level, national team level and the NWSL. So, there’s good communication and support for her.”
Hayes also mentioned that she is evaluating options for her attacking line, including trying Gisele Thompson at the wing position in next week’s camp.
Rodman, Sophia Wilson (née Smith), and Mallory Swanson were the starting forwards for the team at the Olympics last year. Wilson and Swanson haven’t played since the Olympics, initially due to injuries. Both are now on maternity leave.
