April Ross

April Ross, a beach volleyball star American is part of a select set of females who've had medals won in more than one Olympics. Alix Klineman, competing for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics and will attempt to win her third gold medal. But more than that, Ross is aiming to capture her very first Olympic gold. It could be the last chance she'll ever have as she is 39 years old. But she's confident top awards are in reach. Ross, via NBC Boston, said that if the team plays consistently or well they could win a gold. It's also going to be a matter of chance. Ross was born in 1982 in Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a her sister. Her athletic career was continued by Newport Harbor High School where she participated in several sports. In her time as a college athlete, she also played indoor volleyball and track. However, she was a standout at this level. In her time at high school, she played middle blocker outside hitter and setter on the volleyball court per her bio at the college. Gatorade Circle Of Champions named her the National Player of 1999. Her skills in volleyball brought her an Orange County Athlete of the Awards in 2000. Ross has been working with Klineman from 2017. However, Ross's beach game had been established long before that. She has won numerous tournaments, including one with an iconic volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years from 2007 until 2013. Also, she coached Klineman and herself. Kessy and Ross were an impressive force on the international circuit, winning a 2009 world title together. In the 2012 Olympic Games, they won a gold medal. They were knocked out of the gold medal by the legendary team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (Jennings). Ross Jennings replaced May-Treanor when she announced her retirement. The team won bronze in beach volleyball during the Rio Olympics 2016. Ross was a college athlete for USC Trojans before her pro career. She played during high school and in before hitting the beach as a professional. Her experience at USC was quite impressive. She was an All-American as well as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2000 as a young freshman. The Trojans were also able to reach the Final Four with her help. In her sophomore season she suffered a devastating personal loss, yet managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. Over her final 2 years in the Trojans program, she coached them to a national title each year. She was a fantastic player on the court, and was awarded the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the best female college volleyball player. Ross studied at USC in International Relations. Unfortunately Ross mom Margie did not get to see Ross's daughter reach the top levels of beach volleyball superstardom. Ross's mother passed away from breast cancer while she was a sophomore at USC. However, she continues to remember her deceased parent close and close. Margie, on the beach and in daily life, inspires her.