April Ross

April Ross is only one of the beach volleyball athletes to win medals more than once at an Olympics. She is set to compete in Tokyo for her third Olympic medal alongside Alix Klineman, who is a first-time Olympian. More than that though Ross hopes to win the first Olympic gold. Since she's 39 years old, it may be her last shot. However, she's convinced that top prizes are within reach. Ross declared on NBC Boston: "If we perform our best and If we play our best, I think we could get the gold medal." Also, I'll take some chances. Ross was born on August 22nd, 1982 located in Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area together with her parents. She went on to compete in many sports in Newport Harbor High School. Her pre-athletic career comprised indoor volleyball as well as basketball, track and running. When she played in the final sport, she clearly stood out. During her high school career she played middle blocker outside setter and hitter in the court for volleyball as per her college bio. As a tribute to her efforts she was awarded the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. Her volleyball skills also earned her the Orange County Athlete of the Year award in 2000. Although Ross and Klineman have been doing their thing since 2017, the former was already a big-time participant on the beaches prior to their team. She's won big competitions with different players. One of them has become an icon in the world of volleyball. From 2007 to 2013, she was partnered with Jennifer Kessy, who is the coach she is currently. Kessy was Ross's co-coach at the World Championships of 2009. The duo eventually captured a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the legend team which won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, beat their opponents to claim the gold. As fate would have it Ross turned out to be Walsh Jennings' new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. The pair took bronze at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross began her collegiate professional career playing for the Trojans of USC in her high school days. This was years before Ross made her debut on the sand and turned pro. Ross had an impressive run during her time in the NCAA tournament. In her first year at the school, 2000 earned her the Pac-10 and NCAA Freshman's of the award and become an All-American. Additionally, she assisted her Trojans get to the Final Four. Her heart was broken through a tragedy in her life during her second year, but she was able to make it an All-American in her second year. The last two years in the Trojans' program, she led them to victory by winning the national title in consecutive years. In 2003-2004, Ross was named the top collegiate female volleyball player in the US by the Honda Sports Award. Ross had been an international studies student at USC. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie never got to see Ross rise to the top levels of beach volleyball stardom. In 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.