April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball players who have won medals at multiple Olympics. Alix klineman, who is taking part for the very first time at Tokyo's Olympic Games, will try to earn her third Olympic medal. But more than that, Ross is aiming to capture her very first Olympic gold. There is a chance that it is her last chance, at 39 years old. She is still confident nevertheless. Ross said on NBC Boston that if they play their best, or play a great game, she believes the team can win a gold medal. Therefore, I'm hoping to have a little bit of luck too. Ross, who was born 1982, and grew up in Costa Mesa California with her mother and sister, first began playing sports at Newport Harbor High school. Ross played in numerous sports while attending Newport Harbor High School. Apart from the indoor game, she also was a basketball player and also ran track in her pre-college days. However, she was a standout at this level. In her time at high school, she was a middle blocker outside hitter and setter in the court for volleyball per her bio at the college. She was awarded the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the Year in 1999, for her performance. She also was awarded an Orange County Athlete of the Year award in volleyball. While Ross Klineman and Ross are in the spotlight since 2017, the former was already a big-time participant on the beaches even before the pair formed. As a matter of fact, Ross has won several significant tournaments during her time together with two other partners. One is a volleyball legend. From 2007 to 2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy, who is the coach she is currently. Ross, Kessy's fellow teammate who took home the title of world champion together with Kessy in 2009, also was significant on the international stage. In the 2012 Olympic Games, they received the gold medal. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the group that could take home the gold. Ross Jennings was May-Treanor's replacement after she had retired. They took home the bronze medal in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross played for the Trojans of USC during her college days, the years prior to her professional career. The time she spent at USC was a memorable one. She was an All-American and Pac-10 Freshman of Year in 2000 as a young freshman. The Trojans were also able to get to the Final Four with her help. During her sophomore year she experienced a devastating personal setback, but she was able to be a second All-American. Over her final two years in the program she led the Trojans towards the summit of the mountain by winning two three consecutive championships at the national level. She had established herself as an all-time great by winning the 2003-2004 Honda Sports Award as the nation's top female collegiate volleyball player. Ross, who was a USC international relations major, was a star in volleyball. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter achieve the heights in beach volleyball. When Ross was in her sophomore year studying at USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. Ross is still awed by her mother who died. Margie is a constant source of inspiration to her at and off the beaches.