April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball athletes who earned medals in multiple Olympics. Alix Klineman, taking part for the very first time at the Tokyo Olympics, will try to earn her third gold medal. Ross is also hoping to win her first Olympic medal. This may be the last chance she'll ever have as she is 39 years old. Her confidence is high nevertheless. Ross, via NBC Boston, said that when the team performs very well, or even at all, they could win a gold. "I'm trying to also try some luck." Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa in 1982. She lived here along with her parents and sister. Her athletic career began at Newport Harbor High School where she was a part of a number of sports. As a prep-athlete, she also played indoor track and volleyball. In her final game she was clearly the standout. In her time at high school, she played middle blocker outside setter and hitter at the tennis court per her college bio. For her efforts she was awarded an 1999 Gatorade Champion of Champions Circle of Champions Player of the Year. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month was also received by her for volleyball. While Ross and Klineman are in the spotlight since 2017, the former had already been a major participant on the beaches prior to their team. She actually won several major championships while playing in the past with two different partners. one of whom is the volleyball legend. Jennifer Kessy coached her from 2007 until 2013. Kessy and Ross were an impressive force on the world circuit, winning a 2009 world title as a team. The duo would go through to take home a silver medal in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the legend team that was the winners of the 2012 Olympics in London, beat them out to win the gold. Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. The pair took bronze at the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross participated in the Trojans at USC during her college after graduating from in high school. It was a successful career for Ross in the university. In 2000 she was voted Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and NCAA Freshman Of The Year, and was also an All-American. Her performance also assisted in helping the Trojans get to into the Final Four. The Trojans suffered a significant personal loss in her sophomore, however, she was able to achieve the All-American award. Through her two final years of participation in the Trojans program, she guided them to a national title every year. As an individual, she cemented her place in the history books by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. This award was given to the best female college volleyball players across the United States. Ross had been an international studies major at USC. Unfortunately, Ross mother Margie never got to see Ross's daughter reach the top levels of beach volleyball superstardom. Ross's mother passed away from breast cancer when she was a sophomore in USC. Her mother is still close to her heart. Margie has always been a source of inspiration to her on and off the beach.