April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball players who have won medals in several Olympics. She is set to compete in Tokyo for her 3rd Olympic medal alongside Alix Klineman who is a first time Olympian. But more than that, Ross will be aiming for her first Olympic gold. In fact, at 39, this could be her last opportunity to achieve it. But she's convinced that winning the gold medal is in reach. If we play our highest or do well, I believe we'll win the gold medal Ross said via NBC Boston. Also, I'll take some luck. Ross was born on August 22, 1982, at Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area along with her entire family. Ross was a competitive athlete in a variety of sports while attending Newport Harbor High School. In her time as a college athlete she played indoor track and volleyball. However, she was a standout at this level. Based on her biography, she was a middle blocker and an outside volleyball player during her senior year at high school. Thanks to her hard work she was awarded in 1999 as the Gatorade Champion of Champions Circle of Champions Player of the Year. Her volleyball skills also brought her an Orange County Athlete of the Awards in 2000. Ross is currently playing with Klineman since 2017, but Ross's beach game was well-established long before that. She has had the chance to win numerous events, and one was won by the legendary player of volleyball. Ross teamed up together with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's personal trainer. Kessy was Ross's teammate at the World Championships of 2009. In the 2012 Olympic Games, they received the gold medal. They were beaten out for the gold by the legendary duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she announced her retirement. In 2016, the pair won bronze in the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. After high school and many years before hitting the sand as a pro Ross played to the Trojans at USC while an NCAA. It was a successful career for Ross in the school. In 2000 she was voted Pac-10 Freshman and NCAA Freshman of the Year, and was also an All-American. She also helped the Trojans get to the Final Four. Her sophomore year was the time she was devastated by a personal setback but managed to be a second All-American. In her last two years she led the Trojans up the mountain and took home consecutive national championships. Her individual achievements have cemented her as a volleyball legend. She was awarded the Honda Sports Award 2003-04 for the best female college player. Ross studied at USC in International Relations. Margie Ross was not able to witness Ross reach beach volleyball's highest stage. Ross's mother passed away from breast carcinoma in 2001. Ross had just become an undergraduate student in the second year at USC. She still holds her mother dear. Also, Margie is an ongoing source of encouragement for her on the beach and in her daily life.