April Ross

April Ross has won more than one Olympic gold medal. Ross is among the few female beach volleyball players that be able to do so. In Tokyo in the coming days, she'll try to claim her third Olympic medal alongside first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross aims to earn her Olympic the first medal of gold, but she's also hoping to win more. With her age of 39, this may be her final chance to win the gold medal at an Olympics. She remains optimistic that she will be able to win top awards. Ross said on NBC Boston that if they are at their absolute best or play a great game and they are able to play well, the team will be able to win the gold medal. "I'm planning to test to have a bit of luck." Ross was born in 1982 in Costa Mesa California where she lived with her parents as well as a her sister. Her athletic career began at Newport Harbor High School where she participated in several sports. As a prep-athlete she was also a participant in indoor track and volleyball. When she played in the final sport she stood out. According to her bio in high school, she played volleyball as an outside hitter (middle blocker) and setter (outside blocker). The results of her efforts were acknowledged by her being named 1999 Gatorade's Circle of Champions National Player of the Year. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her in volleyball. Even though Ross Klineman and Ross are in the spotlight from 2017 onward, the former was already a big-time player on the beach scene even before the pair formed. In reality, she's won multiple big tournaments as well as one of her partners was a renowned volleyball player. Jennifer Kessy was her partner during six years between 2007 and 2013. She also worked with Klineman and herself. Together together with Kessy Ross, she won a World Title in 2009 when she competed on the international circuit. The pair eventually picked up an Olympic silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends who was the winners of the 2012 Olympics in London, beat their opponents to claim the gold medal. Ross Jennings became Walsh Jennings partner in fate after Maytreanor's retirement. Together, they won bronze medals in beach volleyball for the Rio Olympics of 2016. Ross was a college player at USC Trojans prior to beginning the start of her professional career. She was a player in high school, as well as years prior to hitting the beach as a professional. The Trojans had a great performance for Ross during her time at the university. She was a All-American as well as Pac-10 Freshman of Year in the year 2000, a young freshman. The Trojans had the chance to make it to the Final Four with her help. During her sophomore year she experienced a devastating personal setback but managed to repeat as an All-American. Over her final two years as a player, she led the Trojans to the summit of the mountain netting three consecutive championships at the national level. As an individual, she established her place as a legend having won the 2003-04 Honda Sports Award as the nation's top female collegiate volleyball player. Ross studied international relations at USC. Sadly, Ross mom Margie never got to see Ross rise to the very top of beach volleyball superstardom. In 2001 when Ross was in her sophomore year at USC her mother died of breast cancer. But she still keeps her parent close to heart. Margie has inspired her throughout her life, as well as on the beaches.