April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball stars who won medals at more than one Olympics. Alix Klineman is the newest Olympian and will join her at Tokyo. Ross will also be hoping for her very first Olympic gold. And at the age of 39 this may be her final chance to do so. But she's convinced that the top awards are within reach. Ross, via NBC Boston, said that If the team is performing consistently or well it could be able to win gold. "I'm planning to test to have a bit of luck." Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa, California in 1982. She lived here with her mother, father and sister. While at Newport Harbor High School, she played in a variety of sports. Being a pre-athlete, she also played indoor volleyball and track. Although she was a pro in indoor volleyball but it was apparent that her skills were above the average. As a college volleyball season in her university bio, she was an outside-hitter, middle-blocker and setter. She was named by the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999, for her performance. Also, she won the award in 2000. Orange County Athlete of the year award for volleyball. Ross and Klineman have been continuing to play in 2017. But, Ross was an important player in the beach volleyball scene prior to the pair. She's won big events twice, with various partners. The other is an icon of the world of volleyball. The pair teamed along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and was also Klineman's trainer. Kessy was Ross's partner on the World Championships in 2009. The duo would go on to win a silver at the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May, Kerri Walsh and Kerri Jennings were the group that could take home the gold. Ross Jennings took over for May-Treanor after she retired. Both went on to win the bronze beach volleyball medal at the Rio Olympics 2016. They were joined by Walsh Jennings. Ross played for the Trojans of USC in her college prior to becoming a professional. Ross's playing time with the Trojans was amazing. As a freshman in 2000 she played her way to Pac-10 as well as NCAA The Freshman of the Year honors and was also an All-American. She also helped her Trojans to reach the Final Four. She was devastated by a personal tragedy during her second year, but she went on to be an All-American in her second year. Over the course of her two final years with the Trojans, she helped them achieve consecutive championships. She was a fantastic volleyball player and won the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the most outstanding female college volleyball player. Ross studied international relations at USC. Margie Ross didn't get to witness Ross become the highest beach volleyball levels. Ross's mother passed away from cancer of the breast in 2001. Ross had just become an undergraduate student in the second year at USC. However, she keeps her parent close to his heart. Margie, on the beach and in daily life, is still a source of inspiration for her.