April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals at multiple Olympics. In Tokyo during the next few days she will attempt to net her third medal alongside first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross is determined to earn more than just her first Olympic medal. With her age of 39, this may be her last chance to take home the Olympic gold. However, she's confident that the top awards are in reach. Ross declared on NBC Boston: "If we do our best and even playing well, I think we could win the gold medal." It's also going to be an issue of luck. Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa in 1982. She lived here along with her parents and sibling. Ross went on to play in a myriad of activities during her time at Newport Harbor High School. She played basketball and ran the track as well as her indoor volleyball exploits as a prep athlete. Though she excelled at indoor volleyball however, it was evident that her performance was above the average. According to her bio, she was a middle blocker and an outside hitter on the volleyball court during her high-school career. She was named the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the Year in 1999 due to her accomplishments. In 2000, the Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her for volleyball. Ross and Klineman have been doing what they do in the year 2017. The reality is that Ross played a significant role in the beach volleyball scene prior to the pair. It's true that she has had the chance to win numerous events, and one was won by a legendary volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 until 2013. Together together with Kessy Ross, she won the World Championship in 2009 while competing in the international circuit. They went on to win a silver in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty Maytreanor (Jennings) and Misty Maytreanor took home gold overtaking them. Ross Jennings was May-Treanor's replacement as she left the team. The team won bronze in beach volleyball at the Rio Olympics 2016. Ross started her college time with the Trojans at USC following her high school days. This was years before Ross went to the beach and became a professional. The Trojans had a great run for Ross at the school. In 2000, as a freshman the Trojans' performance earned her the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman-of-the-Year honors. The team also saw her help in helping the Trojans to make it to the Final Four. The Trojans were devastated by a personal tragedy during her sophomore year. However, she managed to become an All-American once more. In her last two seasons in the program she led the Trojans to the summit netting consecutive national championships. In 2003-2004, Ross was named the top collegiate female volleyball player in the US through the Honda Sports Award. Ross had been an international studies major at USC. Margie Ross was not able to witness Ross reach beach volleyball's highest levels. Margie, Ross's mother, passed away in 2001 when Ross was still an USC sophomore. The cancer was diagnosed as breast. But she still keeps her parents close to her the heart. Also, Margie is an ongoing source of encouragement for her on the beaches and throughout her daily life.