April Ross

April Ross is only one of the few beach volleyball athletes to win medals more than once at an Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days, she'll be aiming to net her third medal along with first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross is determined to earn more than just her first Olympic medal. It may well be that this is her only opportunity, given that she is 39 years old. She's certain that the top prizes are within reach. Ross on NBC Boston, said that If the team is performing well or at all they could win a gold. Also, I'll take the opportunity to try my chance. Ross was born August 22, 1982, at Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area together with her parents. The athletic pursuits she pursued began at Newport Harbor High School where she was a part of a number of different sports. As a prep-athlete she played indoor track and volleyball. In her final game, she clearly stood out. During her high school career she played middle blocker, outside hitter and setter in the court for volleyball per her bio at the college. Her achievements were rewarded when she was named 1999 Gatorade's Circle of Champions National Players of the Year. The skills she showed in volleyball also earned her an Orange County Athlete of the Year award in the year 2000. Ross and Klineman have been doing what they do since 2017. However, Ross played a significant role in the world of beach volleyball prior to the pair. In fact, she's won numerous events, one of which was with the legendary player of volleyball. Jennifer Kessy was her partner for six years, between 2007 and 2013. She also coached Klineman as well as herself. Together, Kessy Ross was a force on the international stage, claiming the world championship in 2009. At the 2012 Olympic Games, they won a gold medal. They were defeated for the gold by the legendary team comprised of Misty May-Treanor as well as Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Jennings was Walsh Jennings partner in fate as Maytreanor resigned. They were able to win the beach volleyball bronze in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a college player at USC Trojans prior to beginning her pro career. She played in high school, as well as before hitting the beaches as a professional. And her run at the school was a memorable one. As a freshmen in 2000, her play earned her the Pac-10 and NCAA the Freshman of the Year award. In addition, she helped her Trojans get to the Final Four. Her personal tragedy was a crushing loss in her sophomore year, but she still repeated in the ranks of an All-American. Over the course of her final two seasons with the Trojans they helped achieve consecutive championships. She was a fantastic player on the court, and was awarded the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the top female college volleyball player. Ross was an USC international relations student, was a volleyball star. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie was not able to witness her daughter ascend to the top levels of beach volleyball stardom. Ross's mother passed away from cancer of the breast when she was in her sophomore year at USC. Ross is still awed by her parents who passed away. And Margie remains a source of motivation for her at the beaches and throughout her daily life.