April Ross

April Ross is one of just a handful of female beach volleyball players to have medals won at many Olympics. In Tokyo over the next few days, she'll attempt to net her third medal together with fellow first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross's objective is her first Olympic gold medal. As she is 39, this might be her last chance achieve it. But she's convinced that winning the gold medal is at hand. If we can perform to our highest or even play properly, I'm sure we can get that gold medal Ross said via NBC Boston. Therefore, I'm hoping to have some luck too. Ross was born in 1982 and lived in Costa Mesa California with her mother and sister, first began playing sports during her time at Newport Harbor High. Ross went on to play in many sports as a student at Newport Harbor High School. As a prep-athlete, she also participated in indoor track and volleyball. As a finalist in her sport she was clearly the standout. During her high school career she was a middle blocker, outside setter and hitter on a volleyball court, according to her college bio. The award was presented to her as the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the year in 1999 for her efforts. She also captured the 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman started their partnership in 2017, but Ross has been a prominent player on the beach long before. She actually won numerous major events with two other partners, one of whom is the volleyball legend. In 2007 through 2013 she was in a partnership with Jennifer Kessy, who is the coach she is currently. Kessy and Ross were extremely successful on the world circuit, winning their first world title in 2009. The duo received silver at the Olympic Games. The legendary Misty Maytreanor team together with Kerri Jennings claimed the gold. Ross Jennings was Walsh Jennings partner in fate as Maytreanor resigned. The pair went on to win the bronze medal in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics in the year 2016. Ross was a player for the Trojans from USC during high school after she finished in high school. The time she spent at the school was an impressive one. She was an All-American and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in the year 2000. The Trojans even made it to the Final Four. In her sophomore year, she was devastated by a personal loss, yet she managed to repeat as an All-American. Through her final two years at the school, she helped lead the Trojans up the mountain netting three consecutive championships at the national level. She was a superb volleyball player, winning the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the most outstanding female college volleyball player. Ross was a International Relations major at USC. Unfortunately, Ross mom Margie was not able to witness her daughter rise to the very top of beach volleyball superstardom. When Ross was a sophomore studying at USC her mother passed away from cancer of the breast. She holds her mom in her arms. Margie has always been a source of inspiration to her, both in and out of the water.