W-League goal-scoring freak Ashleigh Sykes hopes a stint in the United States helps her become a better player, but the Canberra United star is taking an unusual path to the Portland Thorns.
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Sykes has signed a deal to join the Thorns to play in the National Women's Soccer League before returning to Australia for another W-League campaign.
But the W-League golden boot winner has taken a step back from day-to-day training to give herself a mental break and take on new challenges, including a half marathon, before joining Portland in June.
Sykes swapped her boots for two wheels last weekend to join the Big Canberra Bike Ride to raise money for the Amy Gillett Foundation and the 25-year-old will race in a 21 kilometre half marathon in April.
"It's been continuous soccer for the last few years, I haven't taken a break since 2014 so that's why I decided to take a bit of time off now," Sykes said.
"The Thorns were happy to help with that and getting back into continuous football in the NWSL will be good to challenge myself before the next W-League season.
"At the moment I'm taking a bit of a break from day-to-day stuff which is refreshing. It's been almost a month so I'm getting back into the gym now.
"But [riding bikes] and a half marathon is certainly different to football. I'm enjoying it."
Sykes scored 12 goals in Canberra's W-League campaign, and took on the captaincy duties while Ellie Brush and Michelle Heyman were injured.
Her performances confirmed her status as one of the best strikers in Australian soccer and now she's hoping she can carry that form to Portland.
Sykes spent part of last year playing in Japan and hopes joining the Thorns will help her take her game to a new level.
She will link with Canberra United teammates Celeste Boureille and Hayley Raso at the club.
"The Thorns are an awesome team and seem to have a great coach and a good set up," Sykes said.
"The NWSL is a really strong league and a great challenge for me. It's another step in my game so I'm really excited about learning and getting stuck in over there.
"It's a way to see the world and challenge yourself. I think playing in Japan last year added a few elements to my game, and just an understanding of a different game helps you."
Canberra United is yet to start contracting players for next season, but Sykes indicated she was keen to return to the capital.
The club is also searching for a new coach with Rae Dower set to return to Queensland.
