LESS than a fortnight after she helped the Matildas cleansweep their Olympic qualifying tournament to secure a spot at the Rio Games, teenager Ellie Carpenter headed into the school yard for the first time this year.

But even before she made it through the classroom door on Tuesday the Sydney schoolgirl was hoping to be asking for another leave pass in upcoming weeks.

Ellie Carpenter playing against Vietnam at just 15-years-of-age. Source: Getty Images

While her teammates return to work, their homes and European and Asian clubs, Carpenter was reacquainting herself with school hours and her old school friends at Westfield Sports High,

“It is going to be a little weird,’’ Carpenter said of her return to school after so long training and playing with the Matildas.

“I’ve been doing it on online. To be there will be different.’’

The extraordinary rise of Carpenter from talented teenager to Matildas young gun saw the 15-year-old swap the classroom for the pitch to become the first millennial to appear for the Matildas or Socceroos when she played the full 90 minutes against Vietnam in Japan.

Carpenter then started against China during the Matildas 5-0 sweep of the tournament in Japan — all before her 16th birthday.

Matildas star Ellie Carpente off to school on Tuesday. Source: News Limited

It has given Carpenter, a national level sprinter when she was 12, a taste for more world class competition with the teenager setting her sights on cracking the Olympic 18 heading to Rio for another time out from the classroom.

“That’s the dream. That’s what I want more than anything in the world,’’ she said.

“I just know that I have to work really, really hard to get to the Olympics. To keep coming up, getting better, to get that ticket stamped for Rio.’’

Australian players celebrate their first goal by Lisa De Vanna at the recent Olympic qualifying event in Japan. Source: Getty Images

Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna has embraced the weight of expectation on the team ahead of Rio where they are now being touted as medal contenders.

“This time we’re actually going there to win things,” said De Vanna, the only member of the current squad who played the last time the Matildas made an Olympic tournament back in 2004.

Prime Minister Turnbull said on Tuesday Australian women were great examples of what it means to be successful Australians.

“And it’s not just in football ... you are examples of role models of success and effort and hard work,’’ he said,

“You inspire young people boys and girls — but especially girls — in having a go.

“You’re making Australians and Australia stronger and more successful. More enterprising.

“We are so proud of you. And Australia is proud of you. The whole nation will be with you [at the Rio Games].”