April Ross

April Ross is one of the few female beach volleyball athletes to capture medals at more than one Olympics. Alix Klineman is a new Olympian and is set to join the team in Tokyo. Ross is hoping to secure the Olympic first gold medal but she's also hoping to win even more. At 39, this could be her last opportunity to accomplish this. But she's confident top awards are within reach. If we perform at our very best or even if we play well I feel like we'll win the gold medal Ross declared on NBC Boston. So I'm going to take a little bit of luck as well. Ross is born in the year 1982. Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a her sister. Ross played in numerous sports during her time at Newport Harbor High School. She competed in basketball and the track as well as her indoor volleyball exploits as a prep athlete. While she did well at indoor volleyball, it was clear that her skills were above normal. Through her high school years, she was a middle blocker outside hitter and setter on the volleyball court, according to her college bio. In recognition of her accomplishments 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 for volleyball. Ross and Klineman are doing what they do in the year 2017. But, Ross was a major player on the beach volleyball circuit prior to the pair. In fact, she's been able to win multiple events, one of which was with the legendary player of volleyball. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years between 2007 and 2013. She also coached Klineman as well as herself. Kessy's teammate Ross, who took home the title of world champion with Kessy in 2009, also was significant on the an international level. The pair eventually picked up a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They were knocked out of the gold medal by the legendary group comprised of Misty May-Treanor as well as Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. They won the bronze medal in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics 2016. Ross competed for USC Trojans during her college days, years before becoming a professional. Her career was a success through the college. 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 made it to the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a significant personal loss during her sophomore year, but was still able to achieve the All-American award. Through her final two seasons with the Trojans they helped win consecutive championships. In 2003-2004, she was named the best female volleyball player at a collegiate level in the United States through The Honda Sports Award. Ross majored in international relations at USC. Margie Ross, Ross' mother, was never given the chance to watch Ross' daughter blossom into the beach volleyball's biggest star. Ross's mother passed away from breast cancer when she was in her sophomore year at USC. But, she will always remember her deceased parent close and close. Margie remains an inspiration both on and off at the beach.