Ben Shelton had every reason to cheer this week after his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, secured a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 list in the Sports category.
The young tennis standout wasted no time spotlighting Rodman’s achievement, sharing the news with pride across his Instagram stories as the recognition continued to draw national attention.
A Proud Ben Shelton Shows His Support After His Girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s Milestone
Rodman’s selection reflects the fast-paced trajectory that has defined her career since turning professional straight out of high school. The Washington Spirit forward, who is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, has built one of the most compelling résumés in American soccer, becoming a marquee name in the NWSL and a key figure for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Her recognition also arrives at a moment when several young American athletes, including tennis star Coco Gauff and Paige Lorenze, the fiancée of ATP player Tommy Paul, have earned spots on various Forbes 30 Under 30 lists.
Shortly after Forbes released its 2026 class, Shelton reposted the announcement on his Instagram stories, lauding her latest milestone. The couple, who began dating in early 2025 and later made their relationship public on social media, often share lighthearted glimpses of their lives despite their demanding schedules.
How Do Rodman’s On-Field Achievements Set Her Apart at Such a Young Age?
Rodman’s on-field credentials speak for themselves. She has scored 28 goals for the Washington Spirit and collected 47 caps and 11 goals with the USWNT, achievements that highlight her influence at both the domestic and international levels. Her journey has been remarkable from the start.
Born May 20, 2002, she became the youngest player ever drafted into the NWSL in 2021 and immediately made her mark by scoring in her debut and helping lead the Spirit to the 2021 NWSL Championship. She went on to win NWSL Rookie of the Year and U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, later adding NWSL Best XI honors and her first NWSL Player of the Month award in September 2025.
Her career reached a new peak when she won Olympic gold with the USWNT at the 2024 Paris Games. Forbes also placed her alongside high-profile figures, including NFL stars Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, actors like Mikey Madison, and musical talents such as Benson Boone, Doechii, and Alex Warren.
