“It worked”: Dennis Rodman’s daughter Trinity Rodman makes candid confession about how her romance started with Ben Shelton

Trinity Rodman did not need an elaborate pickup line to get Ben Shelton’s attention. The Washington Spirit and U.S. women’s national team star made the first move with two words and a fire emoji, and the tennis star responded within minutes. Rodman revealed the story during an appearance on Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, released Thursday, offering a rare look at how her relationship with Shelton began.The Olympic gold medalist admitted that the opening message was simple, but the result was immediate. Shelton matched her energy, setting the tone for a relationship that has since become one of sports’ most recognizable young romances. Their relationship was made public in March 2025 and has continued to grow alongside demanding careers in soccer and tennis.

Dennis Rodman’s daughter Trinity Rodman reveals how her romance started with Ben Shelton

Rodman told Kylie Kelce that she reached out to Shelton on social media after seeing him compete. Her message was blunt: “I said, ‘You’re sick,’” she recalled, before admitting she added a fire emoji.Shelton did not leave her waiting long. Rodman said he responded within an hour, possibly within 10 minutes. “It worked,” Rodman said. “He responded within 10 minutes, so I win.” Shelton’s response was just as playful. “Yeah, you were sick at the Olympics, too,” he replied, according to Rodman. She later described the exchange as a “cringe situation,” but said Shelton matched her energy.The connection quickly moved beyond direct messages. Rodman said Shelton flew out to spend an entire weekend with her only one or two weeks after their first exchange, despite the pair not having met in person before.“I fully committed to this guy that I didn’t even meet yet for him to stay at my house the entire weekend,” Rodman said, calling the decision “insane” in hindsight.When Shelton arrived, Rodman said she tried to hide her nerves by pretending to be busy breaking down delivery boxes. Shelton joined her and helped, giving her an early glimpse of what she called his “green flags.”

Trinity Rodman reveals hard part of dating Ben Shelton

Being in a high-profile sports relationship has brought its own challenges. Rodman acknowledged that millions of people can form opinions about a relationship they only see through social media and public appearances.“Being in a couple in the public eye is not for the weak,” Rodman said. She described the attention as both a “blessing” and a source of unwanted opinions before offering her solution: “Mind ya business.”That visibility has not stopped the couple from supporting each other. Rodman has regularly attended Shelton’s matches, while Shelton has watched her compete for the Washington Spirit.

When did Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton start dating?

Rodman and Shelton publicly confirmed their relationship in March 2025, when Shelton posted an Instagram carousel that included a photo of Rodman kissing his cheek. Rodman responded, “Shooters shoot I guess.”Their relationship has since become a two-sport partnership. Rodman has learned more about tennis through Shelton and his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, while Ben has taken an interest in soccer. Rodman said seeing Shelton at her matches has been “the best feeling in the world.”“I don’t look at him and I’m like, ‘He’s an athlete,’” Rodman said. “I look at him like, ‘That’s my rock.’” The support has continued in August 2026. After playing for Washington Spirit, Rodman traveled to Montreal to surprise Shelton during the Canadian Open. Shelton, meanwhile, is preparing for an all-American National Bank Open final against Brandon Nakashima after beating Learner Tien 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals.