April Ross

April Ross was one of just a handful of women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals at multiple Olympics. Alix Klineman is the newest Olympian and is set to join her at Tokyo. But more than that, Ross is aiming to capture the first Olympic gold. Since she's 39 years old she could have her final chance. She remains optimistic that she can achieve top honors. Ross said on NBC Boston that if they are at their absolute best or even a good game and they are able to play well, the team can win a gold medal. "I'm trying to also try to have a bit of luck." Ross was a Californian born in the city of Costa Mesa in 1982. She lived here with her mother, father and sister. She was able to participate in a myriad of sports in Newport Harbor High School. The prep sports she played included indoor volleyball as well as basketball, running and track. She was definitely the best in the game of indoor volleyball. In her time at high school, she played middle blocker outside setter and hitter on the volleyball court, according to her college bio. In recognition of her accomplishments she was awarded the Gatorade Award for National Player in 1999. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her due to her volleyball skills. Ross is currently playing with Klineman since 2017 but her beach game was well-established long before the year. She's won big tournaments twice with different partners. The other is an icon in the volleyball world. Ross teamed up along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's personal trainer. Together, Kessy Ross was an ace on the international stage, claiming a world title in 2009. This duo went through to take home a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. The Misty Maytreanor legendary team along with Kerri Jennings won the gold. Ross Jennings took over for May-Treanor after she announced her retirement. The pair were awarded bronze medals at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross participated in the Trojans at USC during her the college years following her graduation from high school. Ross had an impressive run through college. When she was a freshman in 2000 Her performance was rewarded with the Pac-10 and NCAA Young Player of the Year awards. She also helped her Trojans to make it to the Final Four. In her sophomore season she was devastated by a personal loss and still was able to be named an All-American. In the two years she played for the Trojans, she helped them achieve consecutive championships. As an individual Ross established her status as a legend by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the best female college volleyball players across the country. Ross was an international relations major at USC. Margie Ross was not able to witness Ross achieve beach volleyball's top stage. Ross's mom Margie passed away in 2001, when Ross was a USC sophomore. Her breast cancer had been diagnosed. She continues to remember her deceased parent close and close. Margie remains an inspiration on and off at the beach.