Sykes became the highest drafted Syracuse University women's basketball player in school history.[2]
Early life and education
Sykes is the daughter of Michael and Regina and has two older brothers. She graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. She also achieved her Master's in instructional design, development, and evaluation in the School of Education.[3]
High school
In high school, Sykes was a 4-star recruit. She played guard at University High School in Newark, New Jersey. Along with her high school team, she played for a club team,the Philly Belles. Through her play on both teams, Sykes earned a 95 overall scouting grade for her playing, was ranked 31st out of all college recruits and was ranked 9th out of all of the recruits at her position (according to ESPN scouting reports). Her high school achievements include being a 2012 United States U18 national team member, a 2012 McDonald's All-American, Named 2012 USA Today All-USA Second Team, All-Tri-State Second Team, North-South Game MVP, All-State, All-Essex County First Team. In her high school career, she averaged 18.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists as a senior. Her abilities led University High School to the Essex County Championship in 2011–12. In addition to her achievements on the court, Sykes was a member of the National Honor Society, student cabinet, and MSG Varsity Club.[3] She graduated with the class of 2012 with the intent of playing for the Syracuse Orange in Syracuse, NY. Although she decided to accept the offer to play at Syracuse University, she also was sought after by Georgetown, Penn State, and Notre Dame.[4]
College career
Sykes attended Syracuse University. She was at the college for five years. She only played in four of those seasons due to a knee injury in her third season. She played both the shooting guard and small forward positions in her four seasons. She played a total of 138 games during her college career (started in 137 of those games), averaged 29.5 minutes per game, 1.9 assists per game, 5.9 rebounds, 13.4 points per game, and a total of 1846 career points, 85 blocks, and 266 steals. She ended her college career by becoming the number three ranked SU women's basketball for career points scored and earned All-American honors, and the title of the winningest Syracuse Orange women's basketball player with a total of 101 wins.[5]
Injuries
In the span of her 2013-2014 and 2014–2015 seasons at Syracuse University, Sykes suffered two ACL tears. She tore her ACL the first time on March 22, 2014 in the NCAA Tournament in Lexington, KY. After 10 long months of rigorous therapy and recovery, Sykes was able to return to play in the 2014–2015 season.
On January 4, 2015 (approximately 43 minutes into her season), Sykes tore her ACL again in her third game back against Notre Dame. In interviews, Sykes has stated that she views her injuries as stepping stones to becoming both a stronger player and person.[6]
Professional career
WNBA
Atlanta Dream
After being drafted to the Atlanta Dream with the seventh pick of the 2017 WNBA draft, Sykes completed a very successful rookie year. She signed a three-year deal that started with a base salary of $47,738 in the first year, jumps to $48,693 in the second, $53,563 in the third and $60,867 in a fourth-year option (typical rookie contract).[2] She was named the rookie of the month for both July and August and was the runner-up for rookie of the year earning 10 out of the 40 votes and ultimately losing to Allisha Gray.[7] She was named to the 2017 WNBA all rookie team. She averaged 13.9 points per game (with a career high of 33 points against the Phoenix Mercury) and her 471 points was a new single-season rookie record for the Atlanta Dream franchise.[8]
Los Angeles Sparks
In February 2020, Sykes was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, along with center Marie Gülich in exchange for center Kalani Brown. [9] In 2021 she earned WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors and was second in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. [10] She played for the Sparks for three years.
Washington Mystics
In February 2023, Sykes was traded to the Washington Mystics. [11] During her 2 1/2 seasons with Washington, she earned WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors, her first All-Star selection, and averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Seattle Storm
On August 5, 2025, Sykes was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for forward Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke, and Seattle's first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. [12]
On September 23, 2024, it was announced that Sykes would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.[14] She was selected for Rose BC.[15] Her team, Rose BC, won the first ever Unrivaled League Championship, in a game where she sank the winning shot and led the team in scoring. [16][17]
National team career
Sykes participated in 2012 USA U18 and 2013 USA U19 National Team trials before the start of her professional career.[18] After her rookie WNBA season, Sykes was named to the 2018-20 national team pool on March 14, 2018.
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