Its an early July afternoon, and shes between training sessions at the teams campus in Galesburg, Virginia.
She looks at me dead on.
She holds eye contact.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas
And she speaks freely.
In the past, she says, we liked to have the ball.
We liked to score.
Photo: Matthew Stith
Now, its about being able to still have that hunger off the ball, then to have patience.
Change the rhythm, slow it down, find the moment.
In this epoch, offense was at the apex.
Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull
It made athletes such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe household names.
Vogue:Hey, Trinity.
Thanks for talking to us today.
Photo: Tony Quinn/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Trinity Rodman:Thank you!
Im glad we could speak.
Have you always dreamed of going to the Games?
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas
I cant even put into words the excitement.
I was just talking about this!
Alex [Morgan] scored a header goal and won the game.
Photo: ©DylanJohnston
I actually went to the next match, when the USWNT beat Japan for gold.
Was there anyone in particular, in your youth, that you looked up to?
Anyone who was particularly influential?
Photo: New York Daily News Archive/Getty Images
Theyre, honestly, all idols.
Its amazing to watch.
Shes someone Ive studied a lot.
Photo: NBC/Getty Images
What about across sports in general?
Did you have any athlete role models or inspirations?
Kobe Bryant was a big one.
Photo: Noren Trotman/Getty Images
And obviously, I had a personal connection with him, so that added to it.
He was just…his mentality was like no other.
The way that he worked the court, the way that he would toy with defenders.
Photo: Victoria Will
I always preach that being able to play with the defense is a huge part of the game.
Kobe was so mentally fit all the time.
Even if his team lost, he was winning the one-on-one battle.
Going into Paris, what do you feel is really clicking now, dynamic-wise, on the team?
In the past, weve been known for being a physical teamvery athletic and kind of overpowering other teams.
Speeding it up, slowing it down, pausing, and shifting.
What is most challenging for you right now?
High-stakes competition is one thing, but also, theres the global spotlight that comes with the Olympic Games.
There isnt much of a window to feel a sense of improvement.
I think this comes down to mentality.
[Its harder for me] to stay locked in.
I always want to be doing as much as I can for this team.
It does feel like things kind of ramp up to lightning speed with the Games.
I can imagine staying locked in is challenging.
Do you get nervous before the start of a game?
Im an overthinker, so Ill go over every scenario in my head before it happens.
I love to be around people, but Im now realizing that can be draining, sometimes.
What do you like to do to fill your time away from soccer?
Ive always had an interest in being creativedrawing, painting, doodling, journaling.
And, Ive always loved to write.
When I was younger, I wrote random stories, making things up.
TikTok is also another outlet.
It allows for some normalcy in a not-so-normal life.
And its a nice way to connect with fans.
That all said, anything to kind of be out there and express myself is huge for me.
Thats a good segue.
We obviously have to ask about style.
How do you express yourself through fashion?
Id say my style is very loud, colorful, creative, and personal.
Im all over the board.
Im, like, I dont know what that means!
But I do think theres a vibe to it.
Whatever I find that looks cool, and whatever stands out, I am going to grab it.
And that could be a genetic thing.
For sure, especially considering what your dad did for fashion and sports.
How have you seen his style influence continue today?
I think he changed the game.
I think he started that crazy out-there fashion in the NBA.
I would say its the more feminine ones, which I think are just so cool.
There are celebrities doing it now, which I love.
I also loved his hair.
The wedding dress was a freaking statement.
What labels are in heavy rotation in Trinity Rodmans wardrobe?
I have a lot of Adidas.
They really do have a fashion side.
A lot of people think of it as just sports.
The tracksuits started it all.
And you worked with Adidas on your own cleat, right?
Yes, its called the F50.
Its my dream cleat, and I am not just saying that.
I dont wear my cleats super tight.
I give myself a little bit of space because I shift a lot and accelerate a lot.
Ahh… Theyre amazing.
I dont ever want them to change.
Speaking of accessories: What bag are you rocking this summer?
Its this really old orange Gucci bag.
Orange is my favorite color.
Anything orange, Im grabbing it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
