April Ross

April Ross is one of just a handful of female beach volleyball players to capture medals at more than one Olympics. Alix-Klineman will compete with April Ross in Tokyo in order to claim her third gold in the coming days. Ross is determined to earn more than just her first Olympic medal. With her age of 39, this may be Ross' last chance to win the gold medal at an Olympics. However, she is convinced of winning top awards. Ross declared on NBC Boston: "If we try our best, and even if we just play well, I think we could get the gold medal." This is also a matter of chance. Ross born in 1982 and lived within Costa Mesa California with her sister and parents, began participating in the sports of Newport Harbor High School. While at Newport Harbor High School, she was a participant in many activities. Her prep athletic career included indoor volleyball as well as basketball as well as running and track. She stood out however in this sport. When she played in her time at the high school level in her university profile, she played as a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. Her efforts were recognized in 1999 when she was named Gatorade's Circle of Champions National Player of the Year. Her skills in volleyball earned her the Orange County Athlete of the Awards in the year 2000. Ross and Klineman might have started working together in the year 2017, however Ross was an experienced volleyball player before they came together. The fact is, she's been a winner of numerous major tournaments as well as one of her partners was an all-star volleyball player. From 2007-2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy who more recently played the role of Klineman's coach. Together, Kessy Ross was an ace on the international circuit winning the world championship in 2009. The 2012 Olympic Games, they won the gold medal. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends which won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, edged their opponents to claim the gold medal. Ross Jennings took over for May-Treanor after she announced her retirement. The team won bronze in beach volleyball at Rio Olympics 2016. Ross played for the Trojans of USC in her college the years prior to her professional career. She had a great run during her time in the college. In her first year at the school, 2000 saw her earn the Pac-10 as well as NCAA Freshman's of the Award and also be named an All-American. Also, she was an integral player for helping the Trojans reach the Final Four. After her sophomore year she was devastated by a personal tragedy, but managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. In her last two seasons in the Trojans in the program they won victory by winning successive national titles. In 2003-2004, she was named as the most successful collegiate female volleyball player in America through The Honda Sports Award. Ross majored at USC in International Relations. Sadly, Ross mother Margie never got to see Ross's daughter reach the very top of beach volleyball stardom. When Ross was in her sophomore year at USC her mother died of breast cancer. However, she continues to keep her mother's memory close and dear. Margie is an inspiration both on and off at the beach.