April Ross

April Ross was one of the few female beach volleyball athletes who earned medals during more than one Olympics. Alix-Klineman will compete with Ross at Tokyo for her third gold medal over the next couple of days. Ross hopes to win an Olympic first gold medal, however, she also hopes for more. This may be the last opportunity she gets at age 39. But she's convinced that the top awards are in reach. Ross on NBC Boston, said that when the team performs consistently or well they can earn a gold. That's why I'm taking a little bit of luck too. Ross was born in 1982 and was raised in Costa Mesa California with her mother and sister, first began competing in the sports of the Newport Harbor High School. She went on to compete in numerous activities in Newport Harbor High School. As a pre-schooler, she competed in indoor volleyball along with basketball as well as running track. But she stood out in this sport. As a college volleyball season as per her college biography she played as an outside-hitter, middle blocker and setter. Her efforts were recognized when she was named 1999 Gatorade's Circle Of Champions National players of the year. In 2000, the Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her due to her volleyball skills. Ross is currently playing alongside Klineman since the year 2017, but Ross's beach game was established well before the year. In fact, she won numerous major events using two partners, one of which is the volleyball legend. From 2007 to 2013 she teamed with Jennifer Kessy who more recently served as her and Klineman's coach. Kessy as well as Ross proved to be an impressive force on the international arena, taking home the world championship in 2009 together. At the 2012 Olympic Games, they were awarded a gold medal. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio that could take home the gold. Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she retired. They went on to compete for the bronze medal in beach volleyball in the Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. In high school and the many years before hitting the beach as a professional Ross played for the USC Trojans as a collegiate. The time she spent at USC was impressive. In 2000, as a freshman, her play earned her the Pac-10 and NCAA the Freshman of the Year award. The Trojans were also able to make it to the Final Four. The second season of her career she was devastated by a personal tragedy, but managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. Through her two final years of participation in the Trojans program, she guided the Trojans to winning a national title every time. As an individual, she cemented her place as a legend when she won the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the best female volleyball players at colleges across the country. Ross was an USC international relations student, was a renowned volleyball player. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter achieve the heights in beach volleyball. Ross's mother died of cancer of the breast when she was a sophomore at USC. In the aftermath, Ross continues to be near to her mother who passed away. Margie is a beach lover as well as in her everyday life, inspires her.