April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball players who have won medals during multiple Olympics. Alix Klineman, playing for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics and will attempt to win her third gold medal. Ross wants to achieve more than just her first Olympic medal. At 39, it may be her final chance. She is still confident, however. Ross told NBC Boston that if they are at their absolute best or even a good game, she believes the team could win a gold medal. Also, it's a matter of chance. Ross was born on the 22nd of October, 1982. She was raised in Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents and sister. Ross's athletic endeavors continued at Newport Harbor High School where she played in a variety of activities. Along with the indoor game, she also played basketball and jogged track as a pre-collegiate athlete. Although she was a pro at indoor volleyball, it was clear that her skills were above normal. As per her biography her high school days, she played volleyball as an outside hitter (middle blocker) and setter (outside blocker). The award was presented to her as by the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999 for her achievements. The year 2000 was the time she was awarded her the Orange County Athlete of the Year award in volleyball. Ross and Klineman are doing what they do in 2017. But, Ross played a significant role in the beach volleyball scene prior to the pair. In fact, she's been able to win multiple events, and one was won by a legendary volleyball player. She teamed up together with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and was also Klineman's trainer. Along together with Kessy Ross was awarded a World Title in 2009 while competing in the international circuit. They took home a Silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. Misty Maytreanor (Jennings) as well as Misty Maytreanor clinched gold ahead of them. Ross Jennings became Walsh Jennings partner in fate when Maytreanor retired. The duo were able to win bronze in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross played for the USC Trojans in college years after she graduated in high school. The Trojans had a great career for Ross in the university. In 2000, as a freshman she fought her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman of the Year honors and was also an All-American. Additionally, she was one of the key players to help the Trojans make it to the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a significant personal loss in her sophomore, but was still able to achieve the All-American title. Through her two final years with the Trojans they helped to win two consecutive titles. Individually she had cemented her place as a legend winning the 2003-04 Honda Sports Award as the nation's top female collegiate volleyball player. Ross was a student of International Relations at USC. Margie Ross was not able to see Ross become the highest beach volleyball level. In 2001 when Ross was a sophomore in USC her mother passed away due to breast cancer. However, she keeps her parents close to her heart. Margie is an inspiration on and off at the beach.