April Ross

April Ross is one of the few female beach volleyball stars to capture medals at many Olympics. Alix Klineman has become a brand new Olympian and is set to join her in Tokyo. Ross is hoping to secure an Olympic first gold medal however, she also hopes for more. Since she's 39 years old and has a long way to go, this could be her last chance. However, she is certain of taking top honors. Ross on NBC Boston, said that when the team performs consistently or well they can earn a gold. Also, it's an issue of luck. Ross, who was born 1982 and was raised within Costa Mesa California with her sister and parents, began competing in athletics at the Newport Harbor High School. She went on to compete in numerous activities in Newport Harbor High School. In addition to playing indoor volleyball, she also played basketball and jogged track as a pre-collegiate athlete. In her final game, she clearly stood out. According to her bio in high school, she was a volleyball player as an outside hitter (middle blocker) as well as a the setter (outside blocker). To honor her achievements, she received the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. Also, in 2000 she was recognized as the Orange County Athlete of the year for volleyball. Ross and Klineman are continuing to play in the year 2017. However, Ross was an important player in the beach volleyball scene prior to the pair. She actually won several major championships while playing with two different partners, among them an icon of volleyball. Ross teamed up along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's personal trainer. Ross, the teammate of Kessy's, who took home the title of world champion together with Kessy in 2009 was also significant on the world stage. They were awarded a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the group that could take home the gold. Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she retired. They won the bronze medal in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a college athlete with the Trojans of USC prior to her pro career. She played in high school, as well as some years before she hit the beach as a professional. Ross's playing time with the Trojans was impressive. She was a All-American as well as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year when she was a teen freshman. In addition, she helped her Trojans to make it to the Final Four. After her sophomore year she was devastated by a personal tragedy, but managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. Through her two final seasons with the Trojans team, she led the team to win a national championship each year. She was a fantastic player on the court, and was awarded the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the best female college volleyball player. Ross played international relations as a major at USC. Unfortunately, Ross mother Margie was not able to witness her daughter ascend to the highest levels of beach volleyball superstardom. Ross's mom Margie passed away in 2001. Ross was an USC sophomore. Her breast cancer had been diagnosed. But, she will always hold her lost parent near and close. Margie is a source of inspiration throughout her life, as well as on the beaches.