April Ross
April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball stars who won medals in several Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days, she'll be aiming to win her third gold medal with fellow the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross is determined to earn more than her first Olympic medal. And at the age of 39, it could be her last opportunity to accomplish this. However, she's confident that winning the gold medal is within reach. Ross said on NBC Boston: "If we perform our best and If we play our best, I think we could win the gold medal." In addition, I'll try the chance to have luck. Ross was a Californian born in the city of Costa Mesa in 1982. She grew up in Costa Mesa with her father, mother and sibling. While at Newport Harbor High School, she competed in numerous different sports. In her time as a college athlete she was also a participant in indoor volleyball and track. But she stood out during this game. According to her bio, she was a middle blocker and an outside hitting volleyball player during her high-school career. She was awarded one of the Gatorade National Circle of Champions Player of the year in 1999 for her achievements. In addition, she was awarded the 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Year trophy for volleyball. Ross and Klineman may have begun working together in the year 2017, however Ross was already an established volleyball player before they joined forces. The fact is, she's had numerous big wins as well as one of her partners was a renowned volleyball player. For six years from 2007-2013 she played with Jennifer Kessy who more recently was Klineman's coach. Kessy was Ross's partner on the 2009 World Championships. They took home a Silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. They were defeated for the gold medal by the legendary team comprised of Misty May-Treanor as well as Kerri Walsh (Jennings). It was fate that had them. Ross became Walsh Jennings' new partner when May-Treanor retired. They won the bronze medal in beach volleyball at Rio Olympics in 2016. In high school and the several years prior to hitting the beach as a professional Ross balled out with the Trojans of USC as a collegiate. Her time at USC was an impressive one. She was an All-American as well as Pac-10 Freshman of Year when she was a teen freshman. Additionally, she was a key player to help the Trojans make their way to the Final Four. Her sophomore year was the time she was devastated by a personal loss but still managed to make it back as an All-American. Through her final two seasons with the Trojans they helped win consecutive championships. She was a fantastic volleyball player, winning the Honda Sports Award in 2003-04 as the most outstanding female college volleyball player. Ross majored in international relations at USC. Unfortunately Ross mom Margie never got to see her daughter ascend to the very top of beach volleyball fame. In 2001 when Ross was a sophomore studying at USC her mother died of breast cancer. Her mother is still very dearly. Margie remains an inspiration both on and off at the beach.






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