April Ross

April Ross is one of just a handful of female beach volleyball stars to capture medals at multiple Olympics. She is set to compete in Tokyo for her third Olympic medal with Alix Klineman who is a first-time Olympian. Ross aims to earn her Olympic first gold medal, however, she also hopes to earn more. Since she's 39 years old she could have her final chance. Nevertheless she is confident that the top awards are at hand. Ross was mentioned on NBC Boston as saying that when you perform at your very best, even if you do well, we'll get the gold. "I'm also going to try to have a bit of luck." Ross was born in Costa Mesa, California in the year 1982. Her parents and sister resided there. Ross played in numerous sports during her time at Newport Harbor High School. When she was a student in the prep school she was a participant in the indoor game of volleyball, as well as basketball and running track. She was clearly the best player in indoor volleyball. When she played in her college volleyball season in her university profile, she played as an outside-hitter, middle-blocker and setter. In recognition of her accomplishments, she received the Gatorade Award for the National Player of 1999. Additionally, in 2000, she was awarded the Orange County Athlete of the year for volleyball. Ross and Klineman are doing what they do in 2017. However, Ross was an important player on the beach volleyball circuit prior to the pair. She's won big tournaments twice with different partners. One of them has become an iconic player in the world of volleyball. In the period 2007-2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy who more recently served as her and Klineman's coach. Alongside Kessy Ross, she was a major force on the international circuit winning a world title in 2009. The duo would go through to take home a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the legend team who won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, took their opponents to claim the gold. It was fate that had them. Ross turned out to be Walsh Jennings' new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. In 2016, the duo were awarded bronze medals at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross was a student athlete with the Trojans of USC prior to starting her professional career. She played during high school, and even years prior to hitting the beach as a professional. Her time at USC was quite impressive. When she was a freshman at the school in 2000 she earned Pac-10 and NCAA All-American Freshman of Year honors and was also an All-American. Additionally, she was a key player for helping the Trojans make the Final Four. She was devastated by a personal tragedy during her sophomore year. However, she managed to become an All-American once more. Through her two final years with the Trojans she was instrumental in helping them to win two consecutive titles. For her part Ross established her status as a legend by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the top female college volleyball players in the United States. Ross took a course in the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter's rise to the beach volleyball spotlight. Ross suffered the loss of her mother to breast cancer in 2001. Ross was then a sophomore. Her mother is still dear. Also, Margie continues to be an inspiration to her on the beach as well as in everyday life.