April Ross

Beach volleyball star April Ross joins Kelley to talk about the twists and turns of her Olympic career. April discusses her late introduction to the sport, her unexpected decision to attend USC, how the loss of her mother impacted her on and off the court, why early professional burnout in Puerto Rico led her to make the switch to beach, her early success on the AVP and FIVB circuits, making the gold medal match in her first Olympics, why breaking up with a partner is a lot like breaking up with a significant other, and how she’s preparing for the Tokyo Olympics as the favorite to take home gold.

APRIL’S RESUME:

• Olympic silver medalist (2012)
• Olympic bronze medalist (2016)
• World gold medalist (2009)
• 2x World silver medalist (2017, 2019)
• 5x AVP MVP (2013-2017)
• 4x AVP Team of the Year (2012, 2014, 2016, 2019)
• AVP Rookie of the Year
• FIVB Rookie of the Year
• 2x NCAA national champion (2002, 2003)
• 4x All-American
• Honda Sports Award (2003-2004)

Suggested:

• April Ross, Alix Klineman living up to ‘A-Team’ handle (OC Register)
• April Ross won’t let shift from beach to backyard stop Olympic dreams (Los Angeles Times)
• Beach volleyball star April Ross on maximizing every day (Olympic Channel)

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