April Ross

April Ross is one of only a few female beach volleyball stars who have won medals in many Olympics. Alix Klineman, taking part for the very first time at Tokyo's Olympic Games and will attempt to win her third gold medal. Ross is determined to earn more than just her first Olympic medal. Perhaps it is her last chance, at 39 years old. She's certain that the top prizes can be achieved. Ross was mentioned by NBC Boston as saying that if you play your best, even if you perform well, you will win the gold. That's why I'm taking a little bit of luck as well. Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa in 1982. She grew up in Costa Mesa with her mother, father and sister. In addition to participating in a variety of sport, she also attended Newport Harbor High School. Being a pre-athlete she was also a participant in indoor volleyball and track. However she was clearly a cut above the rest in this latter game. As a high school volleyball career as per her college bio, she was a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. She was named one of the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the Year in 1999, for her performance. In 2000, the Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her for volleyball. Ross Klineman and Ross may have started working together in 2017, but Ross had already been a seasoned athlete at the beach prior to when they came together. In fact, she's won numerous events, one of which was with a legendary volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy was her partner for six years, from 2007 to 2013. She also worked with Klineman as well as herself. Kessy's teammate Ross, who took home the title of world champion together with Kessy in 2009, also was an important player on the an international level. They went into winning a silver in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends which took home the Olympic gold medal in 2012 in London, took them out to win the gold medal. As fate would have it Ross was Walsh Jennings' new partner as May-Treanor stepped down. Together, they won bronze medals in beach volleyball for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross began her collegiate time with the Trojans at USC following graduation from high school. The Trojans were a few years away from when Ross went to the beach and became a pro. Ross had an impressive run during her time in the NCAA tournament. Her freshman year in 2000 saw her earn the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of the award and become an All-American. Additionally, she was one of the key players to help the Trojans reach the Final Four. The second season of her career she suffered a devastating personal loss and still earned the distinction of being an All-American. Over her final 2 seasons with the Trojans program, she guided the Trojans to winning a national title each year. In her own way she established herself in the history books by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the most outstanding female college volleyball players in the nation. Ross was a student of the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross, Ross' mother, never had the chance to watch her daughter become a beach volleyball superstar. When Ross was in her sophomore year in USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. But she still keeps her parent close to heart. Margie has been an inspiration both in her personal life and at the beaches.