April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in multiple Olympics. Alix-Klineman will compete with April Ross in Tokyo for her third gold in the next few days. But more than that, Ross hopes to win the first Olympic gold. Since she's 39 years old, it may be her last shot. She's certain that the top prizes are in reach. If we do our highest or perform well, I think we'll win the gold medal Ross said via NBC Boston. That's why I'm taking a little bit of luck too. Ross was a Californian born in the city of Costa Mesa in 1982. She lived here along with her parents and younger sister. She went on to compete in a myriad of sports at Newport Harbor High School. The prep sports she played included indoor volleyball, as well as basketball, running and track. In the last sport she was clearly the standout. Her college biography states that she was an outside hitter, middle blocker, as well as a setter throughout her volleyball time at high school. As a tribute to her efforts she was awarded the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. She also captured the 1999 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman began their relationship in 2017 but Ross has been a beach celebrity for a long time prior to. In actual Ross has won a number of important tournaments throughout her career together with two other partners. One is a volleyball legend. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years from 2007 until 2013. She also worked with Klineman and herself. Together together with Kessy, Ross won an Olympic Title in 2009 when she competed internationally. They won a Silver Medal in the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the legend team that won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, edged them out to win the gold medal. Ross Jennings became Walsh Jennings partner in fate when Maytreanor retired. They were able to win bronze in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in the year 2016. Ross competed for USC Trojans throughout her college prior to becoming a professional. Her time at USC was quite impressive. As a freshman in 2000 she played her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the Year honors and earned an All-American. In 2000, her Trojans were also able to make it to the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a significant personal loss during her sophomore year, however, she was able to achieve the All-American distinction. In her last two seasons as a player, she led the Trojans to the summit of the mountain by winning two consecutive national championships. In 2003-2004, she was named the best female volleyball player on the collegiate scene in the US through The Honda Sports Award. Ross studied International Relations at USC. Margie Ross was never able to witness her daughter's climb to fame as a beach volleyball player. Ross suffered the loss of her mom to cancer of the breast in 2001. Ross was then a sophomore. However, she keeps her parents close to her the heart. Margie remains an inspiration both on and off of the beach.