Ben Shelton is learning, in real time, how to exist at the highest level of professional sports without letting outside noise take over his life. In a recent podcast appearance, the rising American tennis star opened up about how he and his girlfriend, US soccer star Trinity Rodman, navigate fame, pressure, and the constant public attention that comes with it.
Rather than chasing headlines, Shelton said the couple relies on mutual understanding, shared experiences, and perspectives to stay grounded while both careers continue to accelerate.
Ben Shelton Credits Trinity Rodman for Keeping Him Grounded
During a recent appearance on an Atlanta Hawks podcast, the host joked about tennis players impressing girls. Shelton quickly cut in with a smile and a firm correction: “One girl, one girl.” The moment set the tone for the rest of his comments and underscored where his priorities lie.
When asked how he and Rodman manage being at the top of their games while staying levelheaded and keeping the media at a distance, Shelton pointed directly to Rodman’s example. “I’m just learning from her,” Shelton said. “She’s the big-time star, the mainstream U.S. star, and I’m kind of just low-key, doing what she needs. It’s been great supporting each other.”
He went on to describe the shared strain that comes with elite competition, noting that “there are a lot of media requirements and physical demands, and the day-to-day is very tough being a professional athlete.”
Shelton added that the grind extends beyond performance, explaining, “Being the best at whatever you do, whether you’re the funniest person in the world or the best athlete in the world, you’ve got to work. At the end of the day, you’re an entertainer, and they want you to be entertaining. They want your time.”
He emphasized the mental side of that reality, saying, “There’s a lot mentally that goes into all that, and I think that’s what we help each other with the most.”
How Shelton and Rodman Manage Careers, Spotlight, and Life Together?
Shelton and Rodman began dating in early 2025Â and later confirmed their relationship through social media posts. Both are young stars in demanding individual and team sports, which makes their situation all the more compelling.
Shelton spends much of the year traveling the ATP Tour, while Rodman balances a packed schedule as a standout forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. Each faces intense scrutiny, media obligations, and physical demands that go far beyond game day, giving them a shared language when it comes to managing life in the spotlight.
Rodman’s perspective carries additional weight given her background. She is the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, one of the most recognizable athletes of his era. Growing up around elite professional sports and intense public attention has shaped how she handles fame, a quality that Shelton openly acknowledges as a valuable influence.
