April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball stars who won medals in several Olympics. Alix-Klineman will be competing with Ross at Tokyo for her third gold medal over the next couple of days. But more than that, Ross hopes to win the first Olympic gold. The next opportunity she gets at age 39. Her confidence is high but she is not sure. If we play our top or perform well, I think we can get that gold medal Ross stated on NBC Boston. Additionally, I'm going be relying on a little bit of luck. Ross was born on the 22nd of October, 1982. She was raised in Costa Mesa California where she resided with her parents and her sister. At Newport Harbor High School, she was a participant in many activities. Along with the indoor game, she also ran track and basketball as a pre-collegiate athlete. She was definitely a cut above the rest in the latter sport. When she played in her high school volleyball career, according to her college profile, she played as a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. To honor her achievements, she received the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month award was also won by her due to her volleyball skills. Ross and Klineman may have begun working together in the year 2017, however Ross had already been a seasoned player at the beach before they teamed up. She has won numerous events, one of which was with an iconic volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years between 2007 and the year 2013. She also worked with Klineman and herself. Kessy and Ross were strong on the world circuit, winning the 2009 World Championship with each other. They were awarded a silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio to beat for the gold. Ross Jennings took over for May-Treanor after she had retired. The duo went on to earn bronze in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a student athlete for USC Trojans before the start of her professional career. She played during high school and in before hitting the beach as a professional. This was an impressive performance for Ross during her time at the college level. In 2000 she was voted Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and NCAA Freshman of the Year. She was also named an All-American. The Trojans were also able to make it to the Final Four with her help. Her personal life was tense after a devastating loss in her sophomore, but was still able to achieve the All-American title. In her last two years she led the Trojans to the top of the mountain and won consecutive national titles. As an individual Ross established her status as a legend by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the most outstanding female college volleyball players across the country. Ross studied International Relations at USC. Margie Ross did not get to witness her daughter's climb to fame as a beach volleyball player. Ross's mom Margie passed away in 2001 when Ross was still in the midst of being a USC sophomore. The cancer was diagnosed as breast. She still holds her mother very dearly. Margie at the beach as well as in her everyday life, is still a source of inspiration for her.