April Ross

April Ross has won more than one Olympic gold medal. She is one of the few female players of beach volleyball that have achieved this feat. Ross will compete in Tokyo for her 3rd Olympic medal with Alix Klineman, a first-time Olympian. Ross is also hoping to win her first Olympic medal. There is a chance that she has one chance, at 39 years old. She's certain that the top prizes are within reach. Ross said on NBC Boston: "If we do our best and even playing well I'm sure we'll be able to win gold." Also, it's the result of luck. Ross was born in 1982 and lived within Costa Mesa California with her mother and sister, first began participating in sports at the Newport Harbor High School. In addition to competing in various sports, Ross was also a student at Newport Harbor High School. Her pre-athletic career comprised indoor volleyball along with basketball, track and running. But she stood out at this level. In her own biography, during high school she was a volleyball player as an outside hitter (middle blocker) as well as a the setter (outside blocker). As a tribute to her efforts, she received the Gatorade Award for National Player 1999. In addition, she was awarded the 1999 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman may have begun working together in 2017, but Ross was already an established athlete at the beach prior to when they joined forces. It's true that she has had the chance to win numerous tournaments, including one with an iconic volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 through the year 2013. Kessy and Ross were strong on the international arena, taking home the world championship in 2009 together. At the 2012 Olympic Games, they received the gold medal. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends that took home the Olympic gold medal in 2012 in London, edged them out to win the gold. Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor as she left the team. Both went on to win the bronze beach volleyball trophy in the Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross played for the Trojans of USC throughout her college years before becoming a professional. She had a great run through the NCAA tournament. When she was a freshman at the school in 2000 she earned Pac-10 and NCAA All-American Freshman of Year accolades. She also was an All-American. In addition, she helped her Trojans get to the Final Four. The second season of her career she was devastated by a personal loss and still managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. The two years following her she led the Trojans up to the summit and won consecutive national titles. For her part Ross established her status 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 nation. Ross majored at USC in International Relations. Sadly, Ross mother 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 died of breast cancer. However, she continues to keep her mother's memory close and dear. In addition, Margie remains a source of encouragement for her on the beaches and throughout her daily life.