For the first time 21 years, beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings is not headed to the Olympic games, and that makes former partner April Ross the most veteran female beach player there. Ross and rookie partner Alix Klineman have their eyes set on one thing: gold. In the latest On Her Mark, Ross explains to Hannah Donnelly why Klineman makes the perfect partner and what she’s searching for when she hits the sand.
Five years ago, Olympic beach volleyball player April Ross took home the bronze medal with partner Kerri Walsh-Jennings.
In Tokyo, she’s eyeing the podium with rookie partner Alix Klineman.
“If we play our best or even if we play well, I feel like we can get that gold medal. So, I'm going to take a little bit of luck as well,” says Ross.
Ross said she just clicked with Klineman who has a lot of experience with indoor volleyball.
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The pair is being coached by Ross’ former partner, Jen Kessy, who is making her coaching debut.
“That was also kind of risk. Jen hadn't done any coaching, especially not at the pro level, but she was open to it and she came in and did an amazing job,” says Ross.
Ross and Klineman were the first female beach volleyball pair to secure a ticket to Tokyo and Ross is the most veteran female on the sand.
U.S. & World
But that doesn’t mean she’s close to being done. For more on what’s ahead, watch her interview above.
