April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in more than one Olympics. She will be competing in Tokyo for her 3rd Olympic medal with Alix Klineman, a first-time Olympian. Ross also hopes to get her very first Olympic gold. At 39 this may be her last chance to accomplish this. The athlete is optimistic she can achieve top honors. Ross was mentioned on NBC Boston as saying that when you perform at your very highest, and even perform well, you will win the gold. "I'm planning to test a little luck." Ross, who was born 1982, and grew up within Costa Mesa California with her siblings and parents, started playing sports at Newport Harbor High school. While at Newport Harbor High School, she competed in numerous sports. When she was a student in the prep school she was a participant in the indoor game of volleyball, as well as basketball and track. In the last sport she was clearly the standout. Based on her bio, she was a middle blocker and outside volleyball player during her high-school career. In recognition of her work she was named the 1999 Gatorade Circle of Champions National Player of the Year. She also won the Orange County Athlete of the Year award in volleyball. Ross and Klineman may be working on a project at the beginning of 2017, but Ross was already an established player at the beach before they came together. She has won major events twice, with various partners. One of them is an icon in the volleyball world. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 through the year 2013. Alongside Kessy Ross was an ace on the international stage, claiming an international title in 2009. The duo were awarded silver medals at the London Olympic Games. They were beaten out for the gold medal by the legendary duo comprising Misty and Kerri Walsh (Jennings). The fate of the matter was that Ross turned out to be Walsh Jennings' new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. Both went on to win the bronze medal in beach volleyball at Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross participated in the Trojans at USC during her college years after she graduated the high school she attended. Her experience at USC was impressive. The year 2000 was her freshman year. was when she won the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the Year awards and be an All-American. The Trojans had the chance to reach the Final Four with her help. Her sophomore year was the time she experienced a devastating personal setback but managed to make it back as an All-American. During her final two seasons in the Trojans' program they won success by winning two successive national titles. Her individual achievements have cemented her as a volleyball legend. Ross was awarded the Honda Sports Award 2003-04 for the top female NCAA player. Ross majored in international relations at USC. Margie Ross, Ross' mother, was never given the privilege of watching her daughter become a beach volleyball superstar. When Ross was a sophomore at USC her mother died of breast cancer. However, she continues to hold her lost parent near and close. Margie has inspired her in her life and on the beaches.