AN ATHLETE from west Cumbria is set to join the Sun Devils of Arizona State University (ASU) to run against elite level talent.
Ava Leadbetter, from Hensingham, has been called up to run for the top university athletics team under the guidance of coach Michelle Chewens.
She will travel to the US to race and study in August 2027 for one year, although she is considering training and working in the states for longer.
Ava said: "I'm probably only going to be there for a year because of the eligibility model, you get five years once you graduate high school and I'm right on the edge of that.
"It's a massive opportunity, really different and that's why I wanted to go to ASU because the climate, the place, the vibes are just so different.
"It ticked all the boxes, I really got on with the coach and the girls who I'm going to be competing with."
Ava is applying to do a masters degree in sport strategic communications, a programme that combines journalism, storytelling, and media.
She began considering the move in February last year and sent a showcase to US universities she was interested in after competing at the English Nationals.
Although she had not initially contacted ASU, Sun Devil Athletics coach Michelle Chewens reached out to her directly.
She said: "I'm really excited to meet them and everyone next year."
Ava will join the team at the beginning of the US cross country season, which is quite different to the format in the UK.
Cross country in the US is shorter and faster, taking place over flat 6k courses. Athletes start the race fast and aggressive in chaotic mass starts.
Ava said: "It's really different because everyone goes out really aggressively and you've got to be able to do that but then hold on and save something for the end.
"I'm really excited for that and it's all building up to the national meet which is in November."
She will compete in the B12 conference, one of the biggest uni sport conferences in the US.
Athlete life at ASU will give Ava access to elite coaching, facilities, and physiotherapy as well as the chance to race against some of the best university athletes in the US.
Ava's exciting news comes as she sets a personal best 10k time of 34 minutes 33 seconds on the road.
She will now turn her focus to cross country, with upcoming events including the National Cross Country Relays on Saturday and the Liverpool Cross Country in November.
Ava is a member of Border Harriers and Copeland Athletics Club, she has also represented England in 3,000 metres.
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