April Ross

April Ross, a beach volleyball star from the United States, is among a select set of females who've won medals in more than one Olympics. Alix Klineman has become a brand new Olympian who will be joining her in Tokyo. Ross also hopes to get her first Olympic medal. As she turns 39, it could be her final chance to take home an Olympic gold. Her optimism is that she can achieve top honors. Ross stated via NBC Boston: "If we do our best and even playing well I believe we can get the gold medal." Additionally, I'm going be relying on a little bit of luck. Ross was a Californian born in Costa Mesa in 1982. Her family lived in the area with her father, mother and sister. She went on to compete in a myriad of sports at Newport Harbor High School. Being a pre-athlete, she also played indoor volleyball and track. But she stood out at this level. In her time at high school, she played middle blocker outside hitter and setter at the tennis court as per her bio at the college. In recognition of her work, she was honored as in 1999 as the Gatorade Champion of Champions Circle of Champions Player of the Year. She also captured the award in 2000. Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman have been doing what they do since the year 2017. But, Ross was a major player in the beach volleyball scene before joining the duo. The fact is, she's had numerous big wins and one partner was an all-star volleyball player. Ross teamed up along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and she also served as Klineman's coach. Alongside Kessy Ross, she was a major force on the international stage, claiming an international title in 2009. The duo eventually captured a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends which won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, beat each other to take home the gold. Ross became Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's resignation. They went on to compete for the bronze beach volleyball medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 along with Walsh Jennings. Ross began her collegiate time with the Trojans at USC following graduation from high school. This was years before Ross made her debut on the beach, and then became a pro. Ross had an impressive run through the NCAA tournament. As a freshmen in 2000, her play earned her the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Young Player of the Year awards. The Trojans could also reach 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. In her final two seasons with the Trojans, she helped them to win two consecutive titles. In 2003-2004, she was named the top female volleyball player at a collegiate level in America by The Honda Sports Award. Ross took a course in the study of international relations in USC. Margie Ross never saw her daughter achieve the heights of beach volleyball. Margie, Ross's mother, passed away in 2001 when Ross was still an USC sophomore. Her breast cancer had been diagnosed. But, she will always hold her lost parent near and close. And Margie continues to be an inspiration to her on the beaches and throughout life.