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Ben Shelton's Got Game (And a Girlfriend Who Does Too)




Okay, so Ben Shelton just crushed his way into Wimbledon's third round, and honestly? The guy's dating someone who might be even more talented than he is.

Trinity Rodman. Yeah, that Rodman - Dennis's daughter. But here's the thing everyone gets wrong about her...

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She's Not Just "Dennis Rodman's Kid"

Trinity Rodman was born May 20, 2002, in Newport Beach. Her mom Michelle Moyer basically raised her and her brother DJ while Dennis was... well, being Dennis. And Trinity? She's been making her own name since she could walk.

The girl started kicking a soccer ball at four years old. Four! By nine, she was dominating with the SoCal Blues youth club, racking up national championships like they were participation trophies.



I watched some of her early footage from 2021 when Washington Spirit drafted her second overall in the NWSL Draft. She was 18 - the youngest player ever drafted at that time. My first thought was "this kid's gonna be special."

Turns out I was right.

The Rookie Season That Changed Everything

Trinity's first professional season was absolutely insane. She didn't just play for Washington Spirit - she carried them to the 2021 NWSL Championship. Rookie of the Year award, NWSL Best XI team... the whole package.

Former US head coach Vlatko Adonovski told USA Today back in 2022: "She was one of the most exciting players in the league this past season, and she proved that she can be impactful at the professional level."



But then he said something that stuck with me: "We don't want to rush anything. We've got to be patient."

Patient? This girl was already torching defenders left and right.

Ben Found Himself a Winner

So here's Ben Shelton, world No. 10, steamrolling through Wimbledon 2025. His second-round match against Rinky Hijikata lasted exactly 69 seconds (seriously, what even was that?). Next up is Marton Fucsovics on July 5th.

And his girlfriend just happens to be a Ballon d'Or nominee who won Olympic gold in Paris 2024.



Trinity scored three goals during that Olympic tournament, by the way. While Ben was probably practicing his serve, she was literally carrying the US Women's National Team to victory.

The Real Story Nobody Talks About

Here's what gets me about Trinity - she's been completely open about her complicated relationship with Dennis. Her mom Michelle was the one who showed up to every game, every practice, every moment that mattered.

Trinity and her brother DJ (who's also a basketball pro now) grew up watching their mom sacrifice everything for their dreams. That's the real story here.

Not the famous dad who was mostly absent. Not the celebrity connections or the money.

Just a kid from Newport Beach who started playing soccer at four years old and never stopped believing she could be the best in the world.

And honestly? She might already be there.

Ben Shelton's got himself a keeper - literally and figuratively. These two are probably the most exciting young power couple in sports right now, and they're just getting started.


Frequently Asked Questions

How important is nutrition and diet to training as an elite tennis player

Tennis players are not exempt from the importance of nutrition and diet. An appropriate diet helps support intensive training. It provides the energy needed, aids in recovery, and lowers the risk for injury. A balanced diet for elite players includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats along with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Another important aspect is hydration, since maintaining a good fluid balance during play is essential to avoid fatigue and maintain focus.


What type fitness training is most important for tennis athletes?

Tennis is physically demanding and requires a mixture of aerobic endurance, strength and power. Tennis fitness training includes cardio exercises for endurance, plyometrics and explosive exercises for power and speed, weight training to build strength, as well agility drills for improving footwork and on court movement. In order to build the coordination and endurance necessary for the physical demands placed on tennis players, core stability exercises as well as balance training are crucial.


At what age should a player begin training to have a chance at becoming a professional?

There is no specific age for beginning professional tennis training, but starting early gives you an advantage. Many professional players start their training between ages 4-7. Early development is crucial for players to develop a solid base of skills, coordination, and technique. However, it's crucial to balance training with general childhood development to nurture a passion for the game without causing burnout or injury.


Can someone play tennis late and become a professional player?

While it is more challenging, it is not impossible for someone to start playing tennis at a later age and still achieve professional status. Success will depend on the individual's athletic ability, work ethic, dedication, and access to quality coaching and competition. It may take longer for late starters to achieve professional levels, as their training will be intense and highly focused.


What is the importance of competing in junior tennis tournaments to pursue a professional career?

The junior tennis tournament is an important step towards a professional career in tennis. These tournaments are a great way for young athletes to gain experience playing against others, test their skills, and develop the necessary mental strength to play competitively. These tournaments can also be a stepping-stone to higher level competitions, as well as impacting a player’s ranking, visibility with coaches and sponsors and overall development.


Statistics

  • Nutritionists report that a tennis player's diet should consist of about 55-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 20-25% fats during intense training periods.
  • On average, it's estimated that only 1 in 5000 high-level junior tennis players will develop into internationally ranked professionals.
  • Statistical trends indicate that top tennis players usually have at least 5 people in their support team, including coaches, fitness trainers, and physiotherapists.
  • Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.
  • Top tennis players typically train for 4 to 6 hours per day, divided between on-court practice and fitness training.

External Links

tenniscompanion.org

essentialtennis.com

topendsports.com

tennisfitness.com

itftennis.com

How To

How to Effectively Recover After Intense Tennis Workouts

Effective recovery after intense tennis workouts is essential for preventing injury and preparing your body for the next session. To lower your pulse rate, begin with a phase of cooling down that involves light cardio. To promote flexibility, and to reduce muscle tightness, follow this up with static stretching. Utilize recovery techniques such as foam rolling or massage to alleviate muscle soreness and aid in lactic acid removal. It is important to stay hydrated. Replace fluids that are lost during exercise and replenish electrolytes, if needed. Consume carbohydrates and proteins to replenish glycogen and repair muscle after a workout. Last but not least, make sure you rest enough and include rest days in your training plan to ensure full recovery.