April Ross

April Ross is one of the few female beach volleyball stars to have medals won at more than one Olympics. She will be competing in Tokyo for her third Olympic medal along with Alix Klineman who is a first time Olympian. Ross's dream is to earn her first Olympic gold medal. At 39, this could be her final opportunity to claim an Olympic gold medal. But she is confident that the most important medals are at hand. If we play our best or even play very well, I think we can get that gold medal Ross declared on NBC Boston. Also, I'll take some chance. Ross came into the world in 1982. Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a sister. She was able to participate in many activities at Newport Harbor High School. In addition to indoor volleyball, she played basketball and ran track while a pre-professional athlete. She was clearly the best at the sport of indoor volleyball. During her high school career she was a middle blocker, outside setting and hitter on the volleyball court according to her university bio. Her achievements were acknowledged with her selection as the 1999 Gatorade Circle of Champions' National Players of the Year. She was also awarded her the Orange County Athlete of the year award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman have been working together from the year 2017. In reality, Ross was already a respected athlete in the world of beach volleyball prior to the pairing. She actually won many major events playing two different partners, one of which is famous for her volleyball skills. In the period 2007-2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy who more recently worked as Klineman's coach. Along together with Kessy Ross was awarded an Olympic Title in 2009 when she competed internationally. In 2012, the team were awarded silver medals at the London Olympic Games. The legendary Misty Maytreanor team as well as Kerri Jennings were the winners of gold. Ross was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's departure. They took home the bronze medal at the beach volleyball competition in the Rio Olympics 2016. Ross played in the NCAA tournament for USC Trojans before the start of her professional career. She starred in high school and before getting on the beach to become a professional. The time she spent at USC was awe-inspiring. In 2000, she was awarded Pac-10 Freshman, and NCAA Freshman Of The Year and she was an All-American. The Trojans even made it to the Final Four. During her sophomore season, she was devastated by a personal loss but still managed to repeat as an All-American. Over her final two years in the program she led the Trojans towards the top of the hill, capturing multiple national championships. As an individual, she established herself as an all-time great having won this year's Honda Sports Award as the highest ranked female volleyball player. Ross took a course in internationally-related studies at USC. Sadly, Ross mom Margie did not get to see her daughter rise to the very top of beach volleyball superstardom. In 2001 when Ross was a sophomore on the campus of USC her mother passed away due to cancer of the breast. However, she continues to keep her mother's memory close and dear. and Margie has always been an inspiration to her on the beaches and throughout life.