April Ross

April Ross is only one of the few beach volleyball athletes to win medals multiple times at an Olympics. Alix-Klineman is set to compete alongside Ross at Tokyo to win her third gold medal over the next few days. Ross's goal is to win her first Olympic gold medal. It may well be that it is her last opportunity, given that she is 39 years old. The athlete is optimistic she'll be successful in achieving top honours. Ross was quoted in NBC Boston as saying that If you put in your best, even if you play well we will get the gold. Also, I'll take some chances. Ross was born in 1982 in Costa Mesa California where she resided with her parents and her sister. Ross went on to play in numerous activities at Newport Harbor High School. Her pre-athletic career comprised indoor volleyball, as well as basketball as well as track and running. However she was clearly superior to the rest in the latter sport. When she played in her time at the high school level, according to her college profile, she played as a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. To honor her achievements she was awarded the Gatorade Award for the National Player of 1999. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month award was also won by her due to her volleyball skills. Ross and Klineman formed the partnership in 2017, however, Ross had been a beach-scene star for years before. The fact is, she's won multiple big tournaments and one partner was a renowned volleyball player. The pair teamed along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and she also served as Klineman's trainer. Kessy and Ross were an impressive force on the international arena, taking home the world championship in 2009 as a team. This duo went into winning a silver at the 2012 Olympic Games at London. They were defeated for the gold medal by the legendary team comprising Misty and Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Jennings was Walsh Jennings partner in fate when Maytreanor retired. In 2016, the duo took bronze at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross participated in the Trojans of USC in her college years after she graduated high school. This was an impressive run for Ross at the college level. In her first year at the school, 2000 saw her earn the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of the Award and also be named an All-American. The Trojans could also make it to the Final Four with her help. Her personal tragedy was a crushing loss in her sophomore season and yet she went on to repeat as an All-American. Over her final two years as a player, she led the Trojans to the top of the mountain netting three consecutive championships at the national level. She was a great volleyball player and won the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the most outstanding female volleyball player in the NCAA. Ross majored at USC in International Relations. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie did not get to see Ross rise to the top levels of beach volleyball superstardom. As of 2001, when Ross was in her sophomore year at USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. Ross is still awed by her parents who passed away. Margie continues to be a source of inspiration, both off and on of the shore.