April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in more than one Olympics. Alix-Klineman will be competing with Ross at Tokyo to win her third gold medal in the next couple of days. Ross's aim is to get her first Olympic Gold. In fact, at 39 this may be her final chance to accomplish this. However, she's convinced that top prizes can be achieved. Ross was mentioned by NBC Boston as saying that If you put in your top, even if you do well, we'll get the gold. Also, I'll take some chance. Ross was born in the city of Costa Mesa, California in the year 1982. Her parents and her sister lived in the area. Ross competed in many activities while at Newport Harbor High School. Her prep athletic career included indoor volleyball, as well as basketball as well as running and track. She stood out however during this game. As per her biography, during high school she played volleyball as an outside setter (middle blocker) and setting (outside blocker). Her achievements were rewarded when she was named 1999 Gatorade's Circle of Champions National Players of the Year. Also, she won the award in 2000. Orange County Athlete of the year award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman started their relationship in 2017 but Ross has been a beach player for years prior to. She actually won several major championships while playing using two partners, one of which is an icon of volleyball. From 2007 to 2013, she was partnered by Jennifer Kessy, who is now her coach. Ross, the teammate of Kessy's, who took home the title of world champion together with Kessy in 2009, was also significant on the world stage. In 2012, the duo took silver in London's Olympic Games. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio to beat for the gold. Ross Jennings became Walsh Jennings partner in fate after Maytreanor's retirement. Together, they took home beach volleyball bronze for the Rio Olympics in the year the year 2016. Ross was a college player with the Trojans of USC prior to the start of her professional career. She played during high school, as well as some years before she hit the beach professionally. Her time at the school was an impressive one. In 2000, as a freshman she earned Pac-10 and NCAA All-American Freshman of Year awards and was an All-American. Additionally, she assisted her Trojans to reach the Final Four. She endured a great personal defeat in her sophomore year however, she was able to achieve the All-American title. In her last two seasons as a member of the Trojans' program they won victory by winning the national title in consecutive years. For her part, she cemented her place as a legend when she won the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the best female college volleyball players across the United States. Ross studied at USC in International Relations. Margie Ross was not able to see Ross become the highest beach volleyball levels. Margie, Ross's mother, passed away in 2001 when Ross was in the midst of being a USC sophomore. Her breast cancer had been diagnosed. This meant that Ross continues to be close to her parent who died. Margie, on the beach as well as in her everyday life, continues to inspire her.