April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in several Olympics. Ross will compete in Tokyo to compete for her third Olympic medal with Alix Klineman, who is a first time Olympian. Ross is also hoping to win her very first Olympic gold. It may well be that this is her only chance, at 39 years old. Still confident, however. Ross stated to NBC Boston that if they perform at their very best, or even a good game, she believes the team can win a gold medal. "I'm trying to also try a little luck." Ross is born in the year 1982. Costa Mesa California where she resided with her parents and her sister. She went on to compete in numerous activities during her time at Newport Harbor High School. In her time as a college athlete she played indoor track and volleyball. She clearly was the top at the sport of indoor volleyball. In her own biography her high school days, she was a volleyball player as an outside setter (middle blocker) as well as a setter (outside blocker). Gatorade Circle Of Champions named her the national Player of 1999. In addition, she was awarded the 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross Klineman and Ross may have begun working together in the year 2017, however Ross was an experienced player at the beach before they joined forces. In fact, she won multiple major tournaments in the past with two different partners. one of which is the volleyball legend. The pair teamed along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's personal trainer. Alongside Kessy Ross was an ace on the international stage, claiming an international title in 2009. At the 2012 Olympic Games, they won the gold medal. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends who won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, edged their opponents to claim the gold. Ross Jennings took over for May-Treanor after she retired. They both won beach volleyball bronze for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a Trojans player for the USC throughout her college the years prior to her professional career. Ross's playing time with the Trojans was impressive. She was an All-American as well as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2000 as a young freshman. Her performance also assisted in helping the Trojans reach into the Final Four. In her sophomore year, she suffered a tremendous personal setback but managed to repeat as an All-American. In her last two seasons in the program she led the Trojans up to the summit winning consecutive national championships. As an individual, she cemented her place as a legend when she won the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the best female college volleyball players across the country. Ross studied International Relations at USC. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter's climb to beach volleyball fame. Ross's mother died of breast cancer when she was in her sophomore year at USC. She continues to keep her mother's memory close and close. Margie continues to be an inspiration both on and off of the shore.