April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball players who have won medals at several Olympics. Alix-Klineman is set to compete alongside April Ross Tokyo for her third gold in the next few days. But more than that, Ross hopes to win her first Olympic gold. This may be the last time she has the chance as she is 39 years old. She is still confident nevertheless. Ross stated via NBC Boston: "If we try our best, and even playing well I believe we can be able to win gold." "I'm also going to try a little luck." Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa in 1982. Her family lived in the area with her father, mother and sister. The athletic pursuits she pursued was continued by Newport Harbor High School where she played in a variety of different sports. As a prep-athlete, she also played indoor track and volleyball. In her final game she was clearly the standout. In her own biography, during high school she was a volleyball player as an outside hitter (middle blocker) as well as a setting (outside blocker). As a tribute to her efforts she was awarded the Gatorade Award for the National Player of 1999. She also captured the 1999 Orange County Athlete of the Award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman began their relationship in 2017 however, Ross was a beach scene star for years before. In actual, Ross has won several significant tournaments during her time with two partners. One is a volleyball legend. Jennifer Kessy was her partner for six years, from 2007 until 2013. She also coached Klineman and herself. Together together with Kessy Ross, she won a World Title in 2009, while racing internationally. The pair eventually picked up a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty Maytreanor (Jennings) and Misty Maytreanor clinched gold ahead of them. The fate of the matter was that Ross was Walsh Jennings' new partner when May-Treanor retired. The duo were able to win the beach volleyball bronze in the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ross was a student athlete for USC Trojans before starting her professional career. She played during high school, as well as years prior to hitting the beaches as a professional. The time she spent in the Trojans' ranks was one to remember. As a freshman in 2000 she earned Pac-10 and NCAA Freshman of the Year honors and was also an All-American. Additionally, she was one of the key players to help the Trojans reach it to the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a heartbreaking personal loss in her sophomore year and yet she went on to repeat her place as an All-American. Over her final 2 seasons with the Trojans program, she coached the Trojans to winning a national title each year. Her individual achievements have cemented her place as a legendary volleyball player. Ross was awarded the Honda Sports Award 2003-04 for the best female college player. Ross majored at USC in International Relations. Margie Ross never saw her daughter reach the top of the beach volleyball ladder. In 2001 when Ross was a sophomore studying at USC her mother died of breast cancer. Ross holds her mother close to her heart. Margie remains a constant source of inspiration for her both in and out of the water.