April Ross

April Ross is only one of the beach volleyball players who have earned medals more than once at an Olympics. Alix-Klineman is set to compete alongside Ross at Tokyo in order to claim her third gold medal in the next few days. In addition, Ross hopes to win the first Olympic gold. At 39, this could be her final chance to win an Olympic gold. However, she's convinced that top prizes are in reach. Ross declared on NBC Boston: "If we perform our best and playing well, I think we could win the gold medal." Also, I am going to rely on a bit of good luck. Ross was born in 1982, and grew up in Costa Mesa California with her sister and parents, began competing in sports at the Newport Harbor High School. She went on to compete in many sports at Newport Harbor High School. While a prep student, she competed in indoor volleyball along with basketball and track. She was clearly the best player in indoor volleyball. Through her high school years, she was a middle blocker outside hitter and setter on the volleyball court as per her college bio. For her efforts she was named the 1999 Gatorade Circle of Champions National Player of the Year. Also, she won the 1999 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman formed their partnership in 2017, however, Ross has been a beach player for years prior to. She has had the chance to win numerous tournaments, including one with the legendary player of volleyball. From 2007 until 2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy, who is currently her coach. Kessy and Ross were a formidable force in the international circuit, winning the 2009 World Championship together. The duo were awarded silver medals at the London Olympic Games. Misty Maytreanor (Jennings) and Misty Maytreanor won gold, ahead of them. Ross became Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. The pair went on to earn the bronze medal in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a college player at USC Trojans prior to beginning the start of her professional career. She played during high school and in years prior to hitting the beach professionally. Her experience at USC was impressive. She was an All-American and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year when she was a teen freshman. She also helped her Trojans to make it to the Final Four. Her sophomore year was the time she suffered a tremendous personal setback but managed to repeat as an All-American. During her final two seasons in the Trojans team, she led them to victories by winning successive national titles. In 2003-2004, Ross was named the top female volleyball player on the collegiate scene in the US through The Honda Sports Award. Ross was a student at USC in International Relations. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie was not able to witness Ross rise to the highest levels of beach volleyball superstardom. When Ross was a sophomore in USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. But she still keeps her parent close to his heart. Margie has been an inspiration throughout her life, as well as on the beach.