April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball players who have won medals at multiple Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days she will attempt to win her third gold medal alongside first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. More than that though Ross is aiming to capture her first Olympic gold. Perhaps this is her only opportunity, given that she is 39 years old. However, she is confident of achieving top honours. If we play our highest or do well, I believe we'll win the gold medal Ross said via NBC Boston. Therefore, I'm hoping to have some luck too. Ross born the 22nd, 1982 at Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area together with her parents. While at Newport Harbor High School, she played in a variety of activities. In her time as a college athlete she was also a participant in indoor volleyball and track. In the last sport she stood out. According to her bio, she was a middle blocker and an outside hitter on the volleyball court throughout her time in high school. She was awarded the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the year in 1999, for her performance. Additionally, in 2000, she was awarded the Orange County Athlete of the Year for volleyball. Ross is currently playing alongside Klineman since the year 2017 but her beach game was well-established long before this. In fact, she won several major championships while playing in the past with two different partners. one of whom is a volleyball icon. For six years from 2007 to 2013 she teamed alongside Jennifer Kessy who more recently was Klineman's coach. Along together with Kessy, Ross won an Olympic Title in 2009 while competing internationally. In 2012, the pair were awarded silver medals at the London Olympics. The Misty Maytreanor legendary team along with Kerri Jennings took home the gold. Ross Jennings was Walsh Jennings partner in fate after Maytreanor's retirement. They both went on to take home the bronze medal in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics 2016 with Walsh Jennings. Ross was a Trojans player for the USC in her college prior to becoming a professional. The Trojans had a great career for Ross in the college level. Her freshman year in 2000 was when she won the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of the award and become an All-American. The team also saw her help in helping the Trojans to make it to into the Final Four. The second season of her career, she experienced a terrible personal loss and still managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. In her two final years with the Trojans they helped to win two consecutive titles. For her part Ross established her status in the history books by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the most outstanding female college volleyball players across the nation. Ross was a student of international relations at USC. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie did not get to see her daughter ascend to the highest levels of beach volleyball stardom. Ross suffered the loss of her mom to cancer of the breast in the year 2001. Ross was then a sophomore. She continues to remember her deceased parent close and dear. Margie, on the beach as well as in her everyday life, continues to inspire her.