April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in several Olympics. Alix-Klineman is set to compete alongside Ross at Tokyo for her third gold medal in the next couple of days. Ross is determined to earn more than her first Olympic medal. At 39, this could be her final chance to win the gold medal at an Olympics. Still confident but she is not sure. If we perform at our very top or do well, I believe we'll be able to win that gold medal Ross said via NBC Boston. It's also going to be an issue of luck. Ross was born in the city of Costa Mesa, California in 1982. Her parents as well as her sister lived in the area. Ross competed in many sports while attending Newport Harbor High School. As a pre-schooler she was a participant in basketball, indoor volleyball and track. When she played in the final sport she stood out. During her high school career she was a middle blocker outside setter and hitter at the tennis court per her bio at the college. In recognition of her accomplishments she was awarded the Gatorade Award for the National Player of 1999. The skills she showed in volleyball also brought her an Orange County Athlete of the Year award in 2000. Ross and Klineman began the partnership in 2017, however, Ross had been a beach-scene player for years prior to. In reality, she's been a winner of numerous major tournaments as well as one of her partners was a volleyball superstar. From 2007 to 2013 she teamed with Jennifer Kessy who more recently was Klineman's coach. Kessy was Ross's partner on the World Championships in 2009. At the 2012 Olympic Games, they won a gold medal. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio to beat out for gold. Ross was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's resignation. The duo went on to earn the beach volleyball bronze at the Rio Olympics in the year 2016. Ross played for the Trojans of USC throughout her college years before becoming a professional. She had a great run through the college. The year 2000 was her freshman year. was when she won the Pac-10 and NCAA Freshman's of the award and become an All-American. She also helped her Trojans to make it to the Final Four. In her sophomore year, she experienced a devastating personal setback but managed to be a second All-American. Through her two final years with the Trojans she was instrumental in helping them achieve consecutive championships. Her individual achievements have cemented her place as a legendary volleyball player. Ross was awarded the Honda Sports Award 2003-04 for the nation's best female collegiate player. Ross majored at USC in International Relations. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie did not get to see Ross's daughter reach the top levels of beach volleyball superstardom. Ross's mother died of breast carcinoma in 2001. Ross had just become a second-year student at USC. She has kept her parent close to heart. Margie remains a source of inspiration, both off and on of the shore.