We’d expect the children of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to view their fathers as role models. Don’t get us wrong; while there’s no problem for the kids to admire their parents’ rivals or be influenced by other figures, the prevailing expectation is that the credit for being the main source of inspiration would typically go to the one who raised them. This sentiment, however, isn’t shared by Trinity Rodman as the daughter of Dennis Rodman instead claims Kobe Bryant as her role model.
Before rocking the 2024 Paris Olympics with her emphatic performance for the US Women’s National Team to win gold, the Washington Spirits forward sat down for a lengthy chat with Vogue magazine. From the host of questions, when asked about her athlete role models or inspirations, Trinity surprisingly said, “Kobe Bryant was a big one.”
Further explaining her choice selection, the 22-year-old added, “And obviously, I had a personal connection with him, so that added to it. He was just…his mentality was like no other. The way that he worked the court, the way that he would toy with defenders. I always preach that being able to play with the defense is a huge part of the game.”
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via Getty LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
What’s your reaction? Trinity Rodman picks Kobe Bryant over her own father, Dennis Rodman! React! Reactions
Though Trin plays soccer, she learned all the psychological positives of the Black Mamba that the Lakers icon used to exhibit on the court. “Kobe was so mentally fit all the time. Even if his team lost, he was winning the one-on-one battle,” praised Trinity, while concluding the explanation of not naming her own father Denise, who used to rule the courts back in his playing days.
Notably, this ain’t the first time Trinity spoke highly of KB8. Just a week before making her 2023 FIFA World Cup debut, the Spirits forward called Bryant an ‘amazing human being’ and admitted that “he’ll always be a GOAT for me.” The majority of you must be raising your eyebrows, but worry not. Dennis still got an appreciation for something that he remained controversial for most of the time.
Trinity admits Dennis Rodman ‘changed’ the fashion game!
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Beyond basketball, Dennis often made headlines for his bold fashion choices, which were mostly seen in his time off the court. For Trinity, however, it was a revolution that not many would ever bring. “I think he changed the game,” said the recent gold winner on his dad’s style influence being continuing today. “I think he started that crazy out-there fashion in the NBA…what he did in his time…it shows today.”
Trinity also insisted that by questionable fashion choices, Dennis showcased to the world that one shouldn’t be ‘afraid’ to express themselves. Be it in a masculine or feminine way, fashion is the best way to do it. Interestingly, when asked to rate her favorite looks of dad over the years, she said, “I would say it’s the more feminine ones, which I think are just so cool.”
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Acknowledging that her dad’s trend is being kept alive by celebrities, she remembered a few controversial fashion choices of her dad. Be it the sparkly tank top with baggy jeans—something which a guy would hardly ever do back in those days—a smiley face hairstyle, or putting on a wedding dress, which Trinity felt was ‘a freaking statement,’ everything was adored by the NWSL star.
Perhaps this might be the area where Dennis Rodman may be her superstar daughter’s inspiration.