Ben Shelton is currently dating Trinity Rodman, a standout star in the professional soccer world and a prominent member of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). The two high-profile athletes confirmed their relationship in March 2025 after weeks of social media speculation. This partnership has quickly become one of the most talked-about "power couples" in the sports world, blending the high-octane energy of American tennis with the elite skill of international soccer.

The relationship between Shelton and Rodman is more than just a celebrity pairing; it is a union of two young athletes who understand the immense pressure of competing at the highest level. From viral TikTok interactions to supportive appearances in player boxes across the globe, here is the complete story of how Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman became the new "it" couple of American sports.

Who Is Trinity Rodman?

While many tennis fans may first recognize Trinity Rodman as the supportive presence in Ben Shelton’s player box, she is a global superstar in her own right. Born on May 20, 2002, in Newport Beach, California, Rodman has spent the last few years redefining what it means to be a dominant forward in women's soccer.

A Historic Soccer Career

Trinity Rodman’s rise to the top was meteoric. In 2021, at just 18 years old, she became the youngest player ever drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) when she was selected second overall by the Washington Spirit. Her impact was immediate, as she helped lead the Spirit to an NWSL Championship in her rookie season and earned the NWSL Rookie of the Year award.

Beyond the domestic league, Rodman is a cornerstone of the USWNT. She played a pivotal role in the team's transition into a new era, highlighted by her participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and her gold-medal-winning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. By mid-2025, she was widely considered one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world, known for her speed, technical ability, and clinical finishing.

Carving Her Own Identity

Rodman is the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman and his third wife, Michelle Moyer. However, she has been vocal about carving out her own legacy. Throughout her career, she has emphasized that while her last name carries weight, her achievements are the result of her own relentless work ethic. This drive for independent success is a trait she shares with Ben Shelton, whose father was also a professional athlete.

Ben Shelton’s Rise to Tennis Stardom

Ben Shelton, born in October 2002, has had a similarly explosive career trajectory. The Atlanta native first gained national attention as a standout player for the University of Florida, where he won the NCAA singles title under the coaching of his father, Bryan Shelton.

Shelton’s transition to the ATP Tour was nothing short of spectacular. He famously reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 Australian Open in his first trip outside the United States and later made a thrilling run to the semifinals of the 2023 US Open. By August 2025, Shelton reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6, following his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the National Bank Open in Canada. Known for his thunderous serve and infectious on-court personality, Shelton has become the face of the new generation of American men’s tennis.

The Relationship Timeline: How Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman Met

The romance between Shelton and Rodman did not begin in a traditional setting but rather in the modern digital landscape of social media.

The TikTok "Shooters Shoot" Phase

In early March 2025, eagle-eyed fans noticed a flirty back-and-forth between the two athletes on TikTok. It began when Ben Shelton posted a video featuring the lyrics "They say shooters shoot," with a cryptic caption that many interpreted as a direct message to Rodman.

The following day, Rodman responded with her own video, using the same audio and flashing a wide smile, seemingly confirming that the "shot" had been received. This playful interaction sent social media into a frenzy, with fans of both sports trying to piece together the evidence of a budding romance.

The Instagram "Hard Launch"

The speculation ended on March 17, 2025, when the couple officially "hard-launched" their relationship on Instagram. Ben Shelton posted a series of photos, concluding with a mirror selfie taken in an elevator with Rodman. In the photo, Rodman had her arm draped around Shelton’s neck, kissing him on the cheek.

Shelton’s caption—"I been focused, but I’m steady climbin’, I’m nowhere near my peak"—was met with enthusiastic comments from fellow tennis pros like Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe. Rodman cemented the news by commenting, "Shooters shoot I guess," referencing their earlier TikTok trend.

Milestones and Major Public Appearances

Since going public, the couple has been remarkably open about their support for one another, balancing two of the most demanding schedules in professional sports.

Supporting Shelton in Munich

One of the first major public appearances for the couple occurred in April 2025 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Despite her own busy NWSL season with the Washington Spirit, Rodman traveled to Europe to watch Shelton compete.

Her presence in the player’s box was a significant moment for fans. Cameras captured her sitting alongside Shelton’s father and coach, Bryan Shelton, signaling that she had been warmly integrated into his inner circle. Commentators noted that Rodman appeared to be a "good luck charm," as Shelton made a deep run to the finals of the tournament.

The Summer of Support: Wimbledon and Canada

The summer of 2025 saw the couple continuing their transatlantic support system. Rodman was spotted at Wimbledon in July, cheering as Shelton reached the quarterfinals. During the tournament, she also took to social media to defend her identity, reminding broadcasters to call her by her name ("Trinity, not Tiffany") and requesting that they focus on her own career rather than her father's past when she is in the stands for Ben.

In August 2025, the roles were reversed when Shelton competed in the National Bank Open in Toronto. Rodman, who was at home recovering from a back injury, posted emotional videos on her Instagram Stories showing her live reaction to Shelton winning his first Masters 1000 title. Her tearful tribute—"I watch you every day work your ass off... I love you and you are him"—went viral, showcasing the deep emotional bond between the two.

The 2025 US Open "Red-Eye" Gesture

Perhaps the most famous display of their commitment occurred during the 2025 US Open. On a Friday night in August, Rodman played a match for the Washington Spirit in San Jose, California. Immediately after the match, she took a red-eye flight across the country, landing in New York at 5 a.m. just to make it to Flushing Meadows for Shelton’s first-round match on Sunday morning.

Shelton acknowledged the incredible effort during his post-match interview, telling the crowd, "My girlfriend took the red-eye from California last night to be here." When a reporter later remarked that she must really like him, Shelton’s humble three-word response—"I hope so"—became a favorite soundbite for fans.

Why the Relationship Works: Shared Backgrounds and Mutual Understanding

The rapid success of the Shelton-Rodman relationship can likely be attributed to the unique common ground they share.

Professional Athlete Upbringing

Both Ben and Trinity grew up in the shadows of successful professional athletes. Bryan Shelton was a top-60 ATP player and a legendary college coach, while Dennis Rodman is one of the most famous figures in NBA history. This shared background means both understand the specific pressures of being a "legacy" athlete and the desire to prove oneself independently.

Navigating the Grind

Being a professional athlete involves constant travel, physical exhaustion, and the mental toll of winning and losing. A relationship between a soccer player and a tennis player is logistically difficult, but the mutual understanding of "the grind" is a powerful glue. Whether it’s Rodman dealing with back issues or Shelton navigating the grueling ATP calendar, they have someone who truly understands the physical and mental demands of their job.

Privacy vs. Publicity

While they are public on social media, the couple has made a concerted effort to keep certain details private. Shelton has mentioned in interviews that they prefer not to reveal exactly how they met or the specifics of their early dating days. This balance of sharing their happiness while protecting their core intimacy has allowed them to maintain a healthy dynamic under the public eye.

Addressing the Rumors: The Frances Tiafoe Matchmaker Claim

Shortly after the relationship went public, fellow American tennis star Frances Tiafoe jokingly took credit for setting the pair up. In a social media interview, Tiafoe claimed he was "the one who connected them" and compared himself to a sports general manager making a big trade.

However, both Shelton and Rodman were quick to shut this down with a laugh. Rodman told ESPN’s SportsCenter that it was "solely a me and Ben thing" and that Tiafoe was "definitely not the reason." Shelton echoed this sentiment, jokingly calling Tiafoe a "liar" and explaining that while they are all friends, the connection happened organically between him and Trinity.

Conclusion: A New Era for the Sports Power Couple

As of late 2025, Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman remain one of the most influential and beloved couples in American sports. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect, public displays of support, and a shared drive for excellence. By successfully navigating the complexities of their high-profile careers while maintaining a visible and joyous connection, they have set a new standard for modern athlete relationships.

Fans can expect to see more of Trinity Rodman in the stands at major tennis tournaments and Ben Shelton cheering on the sidelines of NWSL and USWNT matches. As both continue to climb to the peaks of their respective sports, their partnership serves as a testament to the power of finding a teammate who truly understands the game.

FAQ

When did Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman start dating?

Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman officially confirmed their relationship in March 2025. They began hinting at their romance on TikTok earlier that month before "hard-launching" on Instagram on March 17, 2025.

Is Trinity Rodman still playing soccer?

Yes, Trinity Rodman is a star forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and a key player for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Despite dealing with a back injury in early 2025, she remains one of the top female soccer players in the world.

Who is Trinity Rodman’s father?

Trinity Rodman is the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. However, she has been open about the fact that they have an estranged relationship and that she was primarily raised by her mother, Michelle Moyer.

Did Frances Tiafoe set up Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman?

While Frances Tiafoe claimed he was the matchmaker for the couple, both Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman have denied this. They stated that their connection was "solely a me and Ben thing" and occurred without Tiafoe's intervention.

What is Ben Shelton’s world ranking?

As of August 2025, following his victory at the National Bank Open, Ben Shelton reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6.

How do they support each other during their seasons?

The couple is known for making significant travel efforts to attend each other’s matches. For example, Trinity Rodman took a red-eye flight from California to New York to watch Ben Shelton at the 2025 US Open, and she attended the BMW Open in Germany during her off-time.