April Ross

April Ross is one of the few female beach volleyball stars to capture medals at multiple Olympics. In Tokyo during the next few days she will attempt to win her third gold medal along with the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross is hoping to secure her Olympic first gold medal, but she is also aiming for more. At 39, this could be her final chance to take home the gold medal at an Olympics. But she's still convinced of winning top awards. If we perform at our very highest or play well I feel like we'll be able to win that gold medal Ross stated on NBC Boston. Additionally, I'm going put my faith in a touch of luck. Ross, who was born 1982, and grew up in Costa Mesa California with her sister and parents, began competing in the sports of Newport Harbor High School. Her athletic career continued at Newport Harbor High School where she played in a variety of sports. In addition to playing indoor volleyball, she also played basketball and jogged track in her pre-college days. She clearly was the top at the sport of indoor volleyball. According to her bio, she played a middle blocker and an outside volleyball player throughout her time in high school. She was awarded the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the year in 1999, for her performance. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her in volleyball. Even though Ross Klineman and Ross are a couple since the year 2017, Klineman was already a big-time athlete on the beach even before the pair formed. The fact is, she's been a winner of numerous major tournaments as well as one of her partners was a volleyball superstar. For six years from 2007 to 2013 she teamed together with Jennifer Kessy who more recently was Klineman's coach. Kessy was Ross's co-coach at the 2009 World Championships. The duo would go on to win a silver at the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings the legendary team that won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, beat their opponents to claim the gold. Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she announced her retirement. They went on to compete for the bronze beach volleyball trophy at Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross was a Trojans player for the USC in her college prior to becoming a professional. Her experience at USC was awe-inspiring. Her freshman year in 2000 saw her earn the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of Year awards and be an All-American. Additionally, she was a key player for helping the Trojans reach it to the Final Four. In her sophomore year, she was devastated by a personal setback but managed to repeat as an All-American. Over the course of the two years she played for the Trojans she was instrumental in helping them achieve consecutive championships. She had established her place as a legend having won the 2003-04 Honda Sports Award as the highest ranked female volleyball player. Ross was an international relations student at USC. Margie Ross didn't get to witness Ross achieve beach volleyball's top levels. Ross lost the breast cancer that she battled in the year 2001. Ross was then a sophomore. She continues to cherish her mother who died. Margie is an inspiration both on and off of the shore.