RAGE Reloaded: International Duo Ava Steven and Grace Sykes Bring Energy, Experience to Pleasanton
By Jorge Sanchez Jr. (Storyteller Intern, Pleasanton RAGE USL W League)
The Pleasanton RAGE are adding international talent with the arrivals of Ava Steven and Grace Sykes, two players bringing experience, intensity and a competitive edge as the season approaches.
Though their paths to Pleasanton have been different, both arrive with a shared purpose, ready to adapt quickly, compete at a high level and make an immediate impact.
Sykes, an attacking midfielder, developed her passion for the game at a young age, driven by family and shaped through years of playing across multiple countries and systems.
“I fell in love with football at seven,” Sykes said. “My twin sister played, and I was motivated by my older brother. From there, I just kept going.”
Sykes journey into the sport started late, picking up soccer at 11. What followed was rapid development, as she progressed through academy football before continuing at the collegiate level in North Carolina. Along the way, Sykes has also competed at a high level in England, representing England Colleges teams in international competition and helping her side reach a final on that stage. She also gained experience within competitive club environments, including time with York City Ladies.
Her journey continued to grow, though she has not yet had the opportunity to represent England at the national level, a goal she continues to pursue as she develops her game.
Those experiences helped shape her understanding of the game, particularly in how she reads play and adapts to different styles. That awareness now shows in her approach, where she looks to create, find space and impact the game in attacking areas.
“Fans should expect energy on and off the field,” she said. “I’m quite creative, and I feel like I read the game well.”
Off the field, Sykes said she enjoyed her time visiting California, including the weather and the overall environment, as she began putting herself out there for opportunities in the United States.
She views the transition into a new environment as part of her development, understanding that adjusting to different players and styles is key.
“It’s a different environment, and I’m excited to experience it and grow,” Sykes said.
She added that her experience playing under coaches with similar styles, including those from England, has helped make the transition smoother.
“I’ve been fortunate that my coaches were from England, so it wasn’t too crazy,” she said. “It’s just about seeing how other players play and adjusting.”
Now, she enters the season with a clear mindset and urgency.
“I’m giving everything I’ve got,” Sykes said. “This might be my last chance to play in the U.S., so I want to make the most of it and help the team win games.”
On the defensive end, Steven brings a composed and reliable presence at center back, anchoring the back line with composure, communication and consistency.
“I’m someone who gives a lot of positive energy,” Steven said.
Unlike Sykes, Stevens journey began in Dubai, where she first developed her foundation, gaining experience in competitive environments at a high level before continuing through club systems and eventually into England’s academy structure at U23 Reading FC. She later brought her game to the collegiate level in Mississippi, gaining exposure to different styles and levels of competition.
That experience helped shape her mentality, building discipline while strengthening her confidence in high-pressure situations.
“I didn’t want to waste the opportunity,” Steven said. “I wanted to stay in the U.S. and keep developing.”
She also credited her experience playing in structured, possession-based systems, including under a Scottish coach, for shaping her understanding of the game, particularly in positioning, composure and organization along the back line.
Steven said one of her main goals this season is to continue pushing herself by competing alongside high-level players.
“I want to train with top players, grow my mentality, and win,” she said.
Despite their different journeys, both players share a strong understanding of the game, shaped by their experience playing in England and adapting to different styles of play.
Both Sykes and Steven said that experience has helped them develop how they read the game, something they expect to translate as they adjust to the pace and style of play in the United States.
“It’s about reading the game in a different way,” Stevens said. “It’s just adjusting to different players and styles.”
Both players also pointed to their connection with Sarah Fawcett as a key reason for joining the RAGE, saying she made them feel welcomed early in the process and motivated them to be part of the team.
That connection, along with the opportunity to compete in a new environment, has both players excited to contribute beyond just their roles on the field.
They said they aim to bring energy, support their teammates and help create a positive, competitive environment.
“It’s about doing things the right way and pushing each other to be better,” Sykes said.
As they continue preparing for the season, both Steven and Sykes are looking forward to connecting with the fan base, building relationships with teammates and embracing a new environment.
“Fans can expect a lot of positivity,” Sykes said.
“We’re excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to build a bond with the fans and staff,” Steven added.
With international experience, different journeys and a shared hunger to compete, Steven and Sykes arrive at the Pleasanton RAGE not just as additions to the roster, but as players looking to prove themselves in a new environment.
For both, the opportunity represents more than just another season, it’s a chance to take everything they’ve learned across different countries, systems and levels, and turn it into something meaningful on the field.
Now, with a new team, new challenges and a fresh opportunity ahead, both players are ready to embrace what comes next and make their presence felt.