April Ross

April Ross has won more than one medal at the Olympics. She is one of only a handful of women beach volleyball athletes to be able to do so. Alix Klineman, playing for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics is hoping to secure her third medal. Ross is hoping to secure her Olympic first gold medal, however, she also hopes to win more. This may be the last opportunity she gets as she is 39 years old. Her confidence is high, however. Ross stated via NBC Boston: "If we try our best, and even playing well I believe we can win the gold medal." This is also an issue of luck. Ross was born in Costa Mesa, California in the year 1982. Her parents and sister lived in the area. She was able to participate in numerous activities during her time at Newport Harbor High School. In addition to the indoor game, she also ran track and basketball as a pre-collegiate athlete. Although she was a pro when playing indoors however, it was evident that her abilities were higher than normal. In her college volleyball season as per her college profile, she played as an outside-hitter, middle blocker and setter. In recognition of her accomplishments she was awarded the Gatorade Award for National Player 1999. In 2000, she received an Orange County Athlete of the Year award in volleyball. Ross and Klineman started their partnership in 2017, however, Ross has been a beach celebrity for a long time prior to. Actually Ross has won a number of significant tournaments during her time along with her two teammates. One is a volleyball legend. From 2007 to 2013 she teamed with Jennifer Kessy who more recently played the role of Klineman's coach. Kessy was Ross's teammate at the World Championships of 2009. The pair eventually picked up a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends which was the winners of the 2012 Olympics in London, edged them out to win the gold medal. Ross Jennings was the replacement for May-Treanor as she announced her retirement. They won the bronze medal in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics 2016. Ross was a college player for USC Trojans before starting her professional career. She played during high school and in before hitting the beach as a professional. It was a successful career for Ross in the university. Her freshman year in 2000 was when she won the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the Year awards and be an All-American. Additionally, she was an integral player for helping the Trojans make it to the Final Four. Her sophomore year was the time she experienced a devastating personal setback but managed to be a second All-American. Through her last two years in the program she led the Trojans towards the summit of the mountain by winning two successive national titles. In 2003-2004, Ross was named the top female volleyball player at a collegiate level in America through The Honda Sports Award. Ross took a course in the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross did not see her daughter achieve the heights in beach volleyball. Ross's mother passed away from breast carcinoma in 2001. Ross had just become an undergraduate student in the second year at USC. However, she continues to keep her mother's memory close and close. Margie remains a constant source of inspiration to her both in and out of the water.