April Ross

April Ross is only one of only a handful of beach volleyball athletes to win medals more than once at an Olympics. Alix-Klineman is set to compete alongside Ross at Tokyo for her third gold medal over the next few days. In addition, Ross hopes to win her very first Olympic gold. Since she's 39 years old and has a long way to go, this could be her last shot. She is still confident nevertheless. Ross was reported on NBC Boston as saying that when you perform at your very highest, and even play well we will get the gold. Then I will also take the chance to have chances. Ross was born the 22, 1982, in Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area along with her entire family. In Newport Harbor High School, she competed in numerous sports. Her prep athletic career included indoor volleyball as well as basketball, running and track. In the last sport, she clearly stood out. In her time at high school, she played middle blocker outside setter and hitter on the volleyball court, according to her bio at the college. To honor her achievements she was awarded the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. In 2000, the Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her due to her volleyball skills. While Ross and Klineman have been doing their thing since the year 2017, Klineman had already been a major athlete on the beach long before their pairing. In reality, she was a winner of multiple major tournaments using two partners, one of whom is a volleyball icon. The pair teamed with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's trainer. Kessy and Ross were an impressive force on the international arena, taking home the world championship in 2009 together. They eventually won an Olympic silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the legend team who was the winners of the 2012 Olympics in London, edged their opponents to claim the gold. Ross became Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. The pair won bronze in the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross competed for USC Trojans throughout her college the years prior to her professional career. Ross's playing time with the Trojans was impressive. In 2000 she was voted Pac-10 Freshman as well as NCAA Freshman Of The Year. She was also named an All-American. The Trojans had the chance to get to the Final Four with her help. The Trojans suffered a heartbreaking personal loss during her sophomore year and yet she went on to repeat her place as an All-American. Over her final two years as a player, she led the Trojans up to the summit of the mountain netting successive national titles. As an individual she established herself as a legend by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the most outstanding female college volleyball players across the United States. Ross was a major in the field of international relations in USC. Margie Ross did not see her daughter reach the top of the beach volleyball ladder. When Ross was in her sophomore year in USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. Ross is still awed by her parents who passed away. Margie, on the beach as well as in everyday life, inspires her.