USA Volleyball has named three-time Olympic medalist April Ross as the head of coaching for the Beach National Team, turning his eyes to one of the most successful beach volleyball players in the country after the Americans closed their first medal in Paris.
The National Governance Agency said people from Southern California will work to improve the performance of “our top American athletes” with the aim of hosting the 2028 Los Angeles game.
“I am honored to be part of USA Volleyball in this new role and look forward to working with coaches and athletes to continue our legacy of success on the international stage,” Ross said. “I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and I’m excited to be part of a team that shares that vision.”
Ross, 42, won a silver medal in London, a bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro and a gold medal in Tokyo. She also won back-to-back NCAA indoor volleyball titles in Southern California.
“April brings a unique combination of elite-level experiences, deep technical knowledge and passion for mentoring,” said Sean Scott, director of the Beach National Team. “She understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and succeed. I’m excited to work with her as she continues to build a world-class coaching culture that supports athletes’ growth and prepares her to win at the highest level.”
The Americans dominated beach volleyball after sports conceived on the coasts of Hawaii and California. However, the transport has splashed out Ross and three-time gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings as an aging generation.
The first time a US woman has since 2000, she has not won a medal in Paris. The American man has not won any medals since 2008.
USA Volleyball said Ross is based at the Beach Volleyball Training Center in Torrance, California, and will work to improve the quality of coaching and training at all levels of the National Team Program.
“April’s leadership and dedication to sports is unparalleled and I’m excited to have her in this new role,” said John Sperrow, president and CEO of US Volleyball. “She is a true champion and a mentor to understand the value of collaboration and develop the next generation of elite athletes. I am confident that her expertise will continue to lift US beach volleyball on the global stage, especially as I want to see LA 2028.”
Source link