April Ross

April Ross was one of the few female beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in several Olympics. In Tokyo in the coming days, she'll be aiming to net her third medal along with the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross is also hoping to win her first Olympic medal. As she is 39, it may be her last shot. But she's still confident of achieving top honours. Ross said on NBC Boston that if they are at their absolute best and even play well and they are able to play well, the team could win a gold medal. Then I will also take some chances. Ross was born in 1982 in Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a her sister. Ross's athletic endeavors continued at Newport Harbor High School where she was a part of a number of sports. As a prep-athlete she was also a participant in indoor track and volleyball. However, she was a standout during this game. As a time at the high school level in her university biography she played as an outside-hitter, middle blocker and setter. For her efforts she was awarded the 1999 Gatorade International Player of the year in Circle of Champions. Additionally, in 2000, she was recognized as the Orange County Athlete of the Year for volleyball. Ross and Klineman formed their relationship in 2017 However, Ross had been a beach-scene player for years prior to. In fact, she's had the chance to win numerous events, and one was won by an iconic volleyball player. Between 2007 and 2013 she was in a partnership by Jennifer Kessy, who is the coach she is currently. Alongside Kessy Ross was an ace on the international stage, claiming the world championship in 2009. In 2012, the pair were awarded silver medals at the London Olympic Games. Misty Maytreanor's legendary team as well as Kerri Jennings took home the gold. Ross Jennings became Walsh Jennings partner in fate as Maytreanor resigned. In 2016, the pair won bronze in the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross started her college professional career playing for the Trojans of USC following high school. This was years before Ross went to the beach and became a professional. The time she spent at USC was awe-inspiring. In 2000, as a freshman she fought her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA All-American Freshman of Year honors and was an All-American. The Trojans were also able to make it to the Final Four with her help. The second season of her career, she experienced a terrible personal loss and still earned the distinction of being an All-American. In her last two years in the Trojans program, she coached the Trojans to winning a national title every time. In 2003-2004, Ross was named as the most successful collegiate female volleyball player in the United States according to the Honda Sports Award. Ross took a course in the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter achieve the heights of the beach volleyball ladder. When Ross was a sophomore at USC her mother died of breast cancer. However, she keeps her parent close to the heart. Margie remains a constant source of inspiration for her in and out of the water.