April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals at several Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days, she'll be aiming to claim her third Olympic medal with fellow first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. More than that though Ross will be aiming for her very first Olympic gold. At 39, it could be her last chance to accomplish this. Her confidence is high but she is not sure. Ross was mentioned by NBC Boston as saying that when you perform at your very best, even if you perform well, you will win the gold. Additionally, I'm going to rely on a bit of luck. Ross was born in 1982 in Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a her sister. Ross competed in many activities while at Newport Harbor High School. Along with playing indoor volleyball, she also was a basketball player and also ran track as a pre-collegiate athlete. 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) and setter (outside blocker). Her efforts were recognized by her being named 1999 Gatorade's Circle of Champions National Player of the Year. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her in volleyball. Ross and Klineman started their relationship in 2017 However, Ross has been a beach star for years before. She has won major events twice, with various partners. A couple of those is an iconic player in the world of volleyball. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 until the year 2013. Together with Kessy Ross was awarded a World Title in 2009 when she competed on the international circuit. They were awarded a silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends that won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, took them out to win the gold. The fate of the matter was that Ross turned out to be Walsh Jennings' new partner as May-Treanor stepped down. Both went on to win the bronze beach volleyball medal at Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross was a Trojans player for the USC in her college prior to becoming a professional. The time she spent at USC was a memorable one. She was a All-American as well as Pac-10 freshman of the year in 2000 as a young freshman. She also helped the Trojans to make it to into the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a heartbreaking personal loss in her sophomore season and yet she went on to repeat in the ranks of an All-American. In her two final years with the Trojans she was instrumental in helping them to win two consecutive titles. In 2003-04, Ross was named the top female volleyball player at a collegiate level in the United States through the Honda Sports Award. Ross was who was a USC international relations student was a volleyball star. Margie Ross was never able to see her daughter reach the top of the beach volleyball ladder. When Ross was in her sophomore year studying at USC her mother died of breast cancer. In the aftermath, Ross remains near to her mother who passed away. Margie is a source of inspiration throughout her life, as well as on the beach.