April Ross

April Ross is one of just a handful of female beach volleyball athletes to win medals at multiple Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days she will attempt to claim her third Olympic medal along with first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. But more than that, Ross hopes to win her very first Olympic gold. In fact, at 39, it could be her last opportunity to achieve it. The athlete is optimistic she can achieve top honors. If we do our top or perform well, I think we'll win the gold medal Ross stated on NBC Boston. Also, it's the result of luck. Ross was born August 22nd, 1982 at Costa Mesa California. She lived there with her family. Ross played in numerous activities while at Newport Harbor High School. While a prep student she played indoor volleyball along with basketball and running track. She was clearly the best at the sport of indoor volleyball. In her college profile, she was an outside-hitting hitter, middle blocker, as well as a setter during her volleyball career during high school. Her achievements were rewarded by her being named 1999 Gatorade's Circle Of Champions National players of the year. In 2000, the Orange County Athlete of the Month award was also won by her for volleyball. While Ross Klineman and Ross are a couple since 2017, the former was already a big-time athlete on the beach prior to their team. As a matter of fact, Ross has won several significant tournaments during her time together with two other partners. One is a volleyball legend. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years between 2007 and 2013. She also coached Klineman as well as herself. Alongside Kessy Ross, she was a major force in the world circuit, winning a world title in 2009. They took home a Silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. They were defeated for the gold medal by the legendary group comprised of Misty May-Treanor as well as Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she announced her retirement. They went on to compete for the bronze beach volleyball trophy in the Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross played for the USC Trojans in the college years following her graduation from the high school she attended. Ross's time in the Trojans was amazing. Her freshman year in 2000 saw her earn the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the award and become an All-American. The Trojans could also reach the Final Four with her help. During her sophomore year she experienced a devastating personal setback but managed to be a second All-American. Through her last two years as a player, she led the Trojans to the summit of the mountain by winning two three consecutive championships at the national level. As an individual, she cemented her place in the history books by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the top female college volleyball players in the nation. Ross studied at USC in International Relations. Margie Ross didn't get to see Ross become the highest beach volleyball levels. As of 2001, when Ross was a sophomore at USC her mother passed away due to breast cancer. She is devoted to her late parent. Margie has been an inspiration both in her personal life and at the beaches.