April Ross

April Ross was one of the few female beach volleyball stars who won medals at several Olympics. Ross will compete in Tokyo for her third Olympic gold medal along with Alix Klineman who is a first time Olympian. Ross aims to earn the Olympic first gold medal, however, she also hopes for more. In fact, at 39, it could be her last chance to achieve it. She remains optimistic that she can achieve top honors. Ross said on NBC Boston that if they perform at their very best, or play a great game and they are able to play well, the team can win a gold medal. Additionally, I'm going be relying on a little bit of good luck. Ross was born the 22nd, 1982 in Costa Mesa California. She resided there along with her entire family. While at Newport Harbor High School, she was a participant in many activities. She played basketball and ran track in addition to her indoor volleyball exploits in her time as a college athlete. While she did well at indoor volleyball however, it was evident that her performance was above the average. Through her high school years, she was a middle blocker outside setter and hitter in the court for volleyball as per her bio at the college. She was named the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the Year in 1999 due to her accomplishments. Also, in 2000 she was recognized as the Orange County Athlete of the Yr for volleyball. Ross is playing with Klineman since 2017. However, Ross's beach game was well-established long before the year. In reality, she was a winner of numerous major events in the past with two different partners. one of which is an icon of volleyball. From 2007 to 2013, she was partnered by Jennifer Kessy, who is the coach she is currently. Together, Kessy Ross was a force on the international stage, claiming the world championship in 2009. In 2012, the duo won silver at London's Olympics. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the team that could take home the gold. Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. Together, they took home beach volleyball bronze for the Rio Olympics in the year 2016. Ross was a player for the Trojans of USC in her college years after she graduated in high school. Ross's playing time with the Trojans was amazing. As a freshman in 2000 she fought her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA All-American Freshman of Year accolades. She also earned an All-American. The team also saw her help in helping the Trojans reach the Final Four. In her sophomore season, she experienced a terrible personal tragedy, but was able to be named an All-American. In her last two years in the Trojans program, she guided the team to win a national championship every time. In 2003-04, Ross was named the top female volleyball player at a collegiate level in the US by the Honda Sports Award. Ross had been an international studies student at USC. Sadly, Ross mom Margie never got to see her daughter ascend to the highest levels of beach volleyball fame. Ross's mom Margie passed away in 2001. Ross was still a USC sophomore. Her breast cancer had been diagnosed. She continues to hold her lost parent near and close. Margie remains a constant source of inspiration for her, both in and out of the water.