Ben Shelton took to social media to express his joy and pride after his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, received a nomination for the 2025 ESPYS. Shelton posted a heartfelt message, accompanied by a star-struck emoji, to celebrate Rodman’s recognition for her outstanding performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rodman’s notable nomination comes in the Best Play category for her remarkable extra-time goal against Japan in the quarterfinals, which allowed the United States Women’s National Team to advance to the semifinals and ultimately secure an Olympic gold medal. Her pivotal strike in the 106th minute, following a pass from Crystal Dunn, sent the ball soaring into the top corner of the net, ensuring a dramatic 1-0 victory for the team.
The 22-year-old forward reflected on the significance of the moment, describing it as “the best moment of my career,” and noting that she “kind of blacked out” during the event. With this goal, Rodman became the youngest American to score in an Olympic knockout match in two decades.
Her ESPYS nomination places her goal among other memorable athletic achievements from 2024-2025, including standout plays by Sabrina Ionescu and Saquon Barkley. The ESPYS ceremony will occur on July 16 at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Shane Gillis.
In the spirit of mutual support, just days before Rodman’s nomination, Shelton celebrated his own achievement by breaking into the ATP Top 10 for the first time, climbing from No. 12 to No. 10. This milestone made him the first U.S. male player born after 2000 to reach such a prestigious ranking, coinciding with his impressive progress at the Stuttgart Open.
Their shared accomplishments underscore the strong bond between the two promising athletes, who officially confirmed their relationship in March 2025. As both Shelton and Rodman continue to thrive in their respective sports, their stories serve as an inspiration for young athletes around the world, highlighting the significance of support and encouragement in achieving success.