April Ross

April Ross is only one of only a handful of beach volleyball players to have won medals more than once at an Olympics. Alix Klineman has become a brand new Olympian who will be joining the team in Tokyo. Ross hopes to win more than just her first Olympic medal. Perhaps it is her last chance, at 39 years old. But she's still certain of taking top honors. Ross was mentioned on NBC Boston as saying that when you perform at your very best, even if you perform well, you will win the gold. Then I will also take some luck. Ross born August 22nd, 1982 located in Costa Mesa California. She resided in the area along with her entire family. She was able to participate in a myriad of sports at Newport Harbor High School. She was a basketball player and also ran track, in addition to her indoor volleyball achievements in her time as a college athlete. She was clearly the best player in indoor volleyball. In her high school volleyball career, according to her college biography she played as a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. Her efforts were recognized by her being named 1999 Gatorade's National Circle of Champions Player of the Year. She also was awarded her the Orange County Athlete of the Year award in volleyball. Ross is currently working with Klineman from 2017, but Ross's beach game was established well before that. The fact is, she's won multiple big tournaments and one partner was a volleyball superstar. She teamed up along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and was also Klineman's personal trainer. Ross, the teammate of Kessy's, who took home the title of world champion together with Kessy in 2009, also was a major force on world stage. They took home a Silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. They were beaten out for the gold by the legendary group of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's departure. They took home the bronze medal in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics 2016. Following high school, and for a few years before she hit the beach as a professional Ross was a ball to the Trojans at USC while an collegiate. The Trojans had a great career for Ross in the school. In 2000 she was named Pac-10 Freshman as well as NCAA Freshman Of The Year and an All-American. In 2000, her Trojans also reached the Final Four. During her sophomore year she suffered a tremendous personal setback, but she was able to repeat as an All-American. Through her two final seasons with the Trojans program, she coached the Trojans to winning a national title every year. In her own way Ross established her status as a legend when she won the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This prize was awarded to the top female volleyball players at colleges across the nation. Ross majored in International Relations at USC. Sadly, Ross mom Margie did not get to see Ross rise to the very top of beach volleyball stardom. Ross suffered the loss of her mom to cancer of the breast in 2001. Ross was then a sophomore. She has kept her parent close to his heart. And Margie continues to be an motivation for her at the beach and in her daily life.