April Ross

April Ross was one of only a few women beach volleyball stars who won medals at several Olympics. In Tokyo over the next several days, she'll be aiming to win her third gold medal alongside the first-time Olympian Alix Klineman. Ross's dream is to earn her first Olympic Gold. Since she's 39 years old and has a long way to go, this could be her final chance. The athlete is optimistic she'll be successful in achieving top honours. Ross through NBC Boston, said that when the team performs very well, or even at all, they could win a gold. That's why I'm taking the chance also. Ross was born in California in Costa Mesa, California in 1982. She lived here along with her parents and sister. At Newport Harbor High School, she competed in numerous different sports. While a prep student, she competed in the indoor game of volleyball, as well as basketball and track. When she played in the final sport she was clearly the standout. As a college volleyball season, according to her college bio, she was a middle-blocker, outside-hitter and setter. She was awarded one of the Gatorade National Circle of Champions player of the Year in 1999 for her achievements. The 2000 Orange County Athlete of the Month award was also won by her due to her volleyball skills. Ross and Klineman may be working on a project in the year 2017, however Ross was already an established athlete at the beach prior to when they joined forces. She has won major competitions with different players. One of them has become an icon in the volleyball world. Ross teamed up along with Jennifer Kessy from 2007-2013, and also was Klineman's personal trainer. Alongside Kessy Ross, she was a major force on the international stage, claiming the world championship in 2009. The duo would go on to win a silver in the 2012 Olympic Games at London. Misty May Treanor and Kerri Jennings, the team of legends which won the 2012 Olympic Games in London, took each other to take home the gold. Ross Walsh was Walsh Jennings new partner after May-Treanor's retirement. In 2016, the duo won bronze in the Rio Olympics for beach volleyball. Ross played for the Trojans of USC during her college days, the years prior to her professional career. The time she spent at USC was impressive. When she was a freshman in 2000 the Trojans' performance earned her the Pac-10 and NCAA Freshman-of-the-Year honors. Her performance also assisted in helping the Trojans get to into the Final Four. The second season of her career she was devastated by a personal loss and still managed to earn the honor of being named an All-American. In the two years she played for the Trojans they helped to win two consecutive titles. As an individual, she cemented her place in the history books by winning the Honda Sports Award for 2003-04. The award is given to the most outstanding female volleyball players at colleges across the country. Ross studied International Relations at USC. Margie Ross did not get to witness Ross reach beach volleyball's highest level. Ross's mom died from breast carcinoma in the year 2001. Ross had just become an undergraduate student in the second year at USC. Ross holds her mother dear. Margie is a source of inspiration both in her personal life and at the beaches.