April Ross

April Ross is one of the few female beach volleyball stars to win medals at multiple Olympics. In Tokyo in the coming days she will attempt to win her third gold medal with fellow the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. In addition, Ross hopes to win the first Olympic gold. This may be the last chance she'll ever have as she is 39 years old. However, she is certain of taking top honors. Ross told NBC Boston that if they are at their absolute best or play a great game her team can win a gold medal. "I'm also going to try some luck." Ross was a Californian born in Costa Mesa, California in 1982. She grew up in Costa Mesa along with her parents and younger sister. She was able to participate in a myriad of activities at Newport Harbor High School. As a prep-athlete she was also a participant in indoor track and volleyball. However she was clearly a cut above the rest when it came to the second sport. The college bio says that she played outside of the hitter, middle blocker and setter throughout her volleyball time at high school. She was named the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999 due to her accomplishments. In 2000, she was awarded the Orange County Athlete of the Year for volleyball. Ross Klineman and Ross may have begun working together in 2017, but Ross was an experienced athlete at the beach prior to when they teamed up. It's true that she's won multiple big tournaments and one partner was a volleyball superstar. She teamed up together with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's coach. Alongside Kessy Ross, she was a major force on the international circuit winning an international title in 2009. In 2012, the duo were awarded silver medals at the London Olympics. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the trio that could take home the gold. Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's resignation. Together, they won bronze medals in beach volleyball for the Rio Olympics of 2016. Ross was a player for the Trojans at USC during her the college years following her graduation from high school. Her experience at USC was quite impressive. As a freshmen in 2000 Her performance was rewarded with the Pac-10 and NCAA the Freshman of the Year award. The Trojans could also get to the Final Four with her help. She was devastated by a personal tragedy during her sophomore year. However, she managed to become an All-American again. Through her two final years in the Trojans program, she coached them to a national title each year. As an individual Ross established her status as a legend when she won the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the best female college volleyball players across the nation. Ross played international relations as a student at USC. Margie Ross, Ross' mother, did not have the opportunity to see her daughter become an international beach volleyball star. As of 2001, when Ross was a sophomore studying at USC her mother passed away from breast cancer. She continues to cherish her parents who passed away. Margie continues to be a source of inspiration, both off and on at the beach.