April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball stars who won medals in several Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days she will attempt to claim her third Olympic medal alongside the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. More than that though Ross is aiming to capture her first Olympic gold. As she turns 39, it could be her last chance to win an Olympic gold. Her optimism is that she can achieve top honors. Ross on NBC Boston, said that when the team performs consistently or well it could be able to win gold. Therefore, I'm hoping to have the chance as well. Ross was born in Costa Mesa, California in 1982. Her parents and sister were residents in the area. She went on to compete in numerous activities during her time at Newport Harbor High School. As a pre-schooler she played basketball, indoor volleyball and running track. She clearly was the top at the sport of indoor volleyball. Her college biography states that she was an outside hitter, middle blocker and setter in her volleyball playing career at high school. She was named by the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999 due to her accomplishments. Also, in 2000 she was awarded the Orange County Athlete of the Year for volleyball. Although Ross Klineman and Ross are in the spotlight since the year 2017, Klineman had already been a major player on the beach scene even before the pair formed. She's won big tournaments twice with different partners. The other is an icon in the world of volleyball. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 through 2013. Together with Kessy Ross was a force on the international stage, claiming a world title in 2009. The duo eventually captured a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the group to beat for the gold. The fate of the matter was that Ross turned out to be Walsh Jennings' new partner when May-Treanor retired. The team won bronze in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross played for the Trojans at USC during her college after graduating from high school. This was an impressive run for Ross at the university. In her first year at the school, 2000 earned her the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of the award and become an All-American. The team also saw her help in helping the Trojans get to into the Final Four. She suffered a devastating personal loss in her sophomore season however she was able to return in the ranks of an All-American. Through her last two years in the program she led the Trojans to the summit by winning two successive national titles. The individual accomplishments of her have established her as a volleyball legend. Ross was awarded the Honda Sports Award 2003-04 for the best female college player. Ross took a course in the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross, Ross' mother, did not have the opportunity to see her daughter grow into an international beach volleyball star. Ross's mother passed away from breast cancer when she was a sophomore at USC. She continues to remember her deceased parent close and close. In addition, Margie remains a source of encouragement for her on the beach and in her daily life.