April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball stars who won medals in several Olympics. Alix Klineman, competing for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics and will attempt to win her third gold medal. Ross also hopes to get her very first Olympic gold. At 39 this may be her last opportunity to achieve it. Still confident but she is not sure. Ross on NBC Boston, said that when the team performs very well, or even at all, it could be able to win gold. "I'm also going to try some luck." Ross was born on August 22, 1982, in Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area with her family. The athletic pursuits she pursued was continued by Newport Harbor High School where she played in a variety of sports. While a prep student, she competed in basketball, indoor volleyball as well as running track. When she played in the final sport she was clearly the standout. Through her high school years, she played middle blocker outside hitter and setter in the court for volleyball, according to her college bio. She was named by the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999 for her achievements. Additionally, in 2000, she was recognized as the Orange County Athlete of the year for volleyball. Ross is currently working with Klineman from 2017. However, Ross's beach game had been established long before the year. Actually Ross has won a number of significant tournaments during her time together with two other partners. One of them is a legend. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years between 2007 and 2013. Also, she coached Klineman and herself. Kessy was Ross's partner on the World Championships in 2009. In 2012, the pair were awarded silver medals at the London Olympic Games. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio to beat for the gold. It was fate that had them. Ross was Walsh Jennings' new partner as May-Treanor stepped down. In 2016, the pair took bronze at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. After high school and several years prior to hitting the sand as a pro Ross balled out for the USC Trojans as an NCAA. Her time at USC was awe-inspiring. As a freshman in 2000 she played her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the Year awards and earned an All-American. The Trojans were also able to make it to the Final Four with her help. She was devastated by a personal tragedy during her sophomore year. However, she managed to become an All-American in her second year. In her last two years, she took the Trojans to the top of the mountain and won consecutive national titles. As an individual, she established herself as an all-time legend having won the 2003-04 Honda Sports Award as the highest ranked female volleyball player. Ross studied International Relations at USC. Margie Ross never saw her daughter make it to the top in beach volleyball. In 2001 when Ross was a sophomore at USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. However, she continues to keep her mother's memory close and close. Margie is a constant source of inspiration for her both on and off the beach.