'I don't think my back will ever be 100 percent' - USWNT's Trinity Rodman gives honest assessment of injury

U.S. Women's national team star Trinity Rodman does not believe her back will ever be fully healthy again. The 22-year-old has been dealing with back spasms and related issues since her debut season with the Washington Spirit in 2021, and last September, she re-aggravated the injury that forced her to be wheelchaired off the pitch in a match against the Kansas City Current.

"Honestly, I don't think my back will ever be 100 percent," Rodman told reporters following Washington's 2-0 win over Bay FC Friday. "It's kind of an issue of it's not one specific thing, it's just the way that my back's structured. And it's more so management than like a curable fix.

"So I think we've managed it really well and I'm happy with the progression that we've had. But for me, I don't think my back will ever be the way it was my rookie year, which is unfortunate."

Rodman played a crucial role in the USWNT's run to the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, scoring three goals during the tournament while being a part of the famed Triple Espresso group, featuring fellow attackers Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson.

However, Rodman has not featured on the international stage since due to the injury but was recently called back into the program for Emma Hayes' April camp - which features two matches against Brazil.

"It's tough for me coming off such a good season and the Olympics and then going into an injury and now trying to find my place again and find my tole and find my rhythm," Rodman said.

In 45 appearances for the USWNT, Rodman has scored 10 goals and recorded nine assists.

The international break begins Monday, with Rodman reporting to duty with the U.S., who clash with Brazil on April 5 and April 8.