In late 1998 international volleyball introduced a new position, known as the libero, which specialized in defensive skills. Sykora's coach, Corbelli, encouraged her to try out for this new position on the US volleyball team. In January 1999 Sykora joined the USA women's volleyball team playing this new position. During her first year of international play, she recorded a team-high 456 digs, including 153 at the World Cup. She was named the Best Receiver at the BCV Volley Masters, also placing third in digging. While on the Japan Tour, she recorded a career-high 22 digs in the June 30 match, before becoming the team's primary passer and defensive player on the bronze-medal winning Pan American Games squad.
