Let’s roll back to 2016 when April Ross found herself at a crossroads after the Rio Olympics. With her bronze medal in hand and Kerri Walsh Jennings moving on, Ross needed a new partner to spark a fresh start. Enter Alix Klineman—a 6-foot-5 dynamo who was more used to indoor volleyball digs than beach spikes. It was a gutsy call; would this green newcomer be the golden ticket to Tokyo or a rookie misfire that left them watching from home? Spoiler alert: they crushed it. Fast forward to 2021, and Ross and Klineman lit up the Tokyo Games, taking down Australia in straight sets and snagging the first U.S. gold since the unbeatable Kerri and Misty era of 2012.

Now, let’s not forget that Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor were the Avengers of beach volleyball, winning Olympic gold in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Ross? She was on the other side of that final in 2012, settling for silver. When May-Treanor retired, Ross teamed up with Walsh Jennings for a solid Rio run that ended with bronze and a tough semifinal heartbreaker. The obvious move for Ross would have been to partner with someone seasoned, someone dripping in international points like they were medals. But no—Ross had a wild card up her sleeve: Alix Klineman. Tall, promising, but lacking the street (or rather, sand) cred that gets you into Olympic showdowns. It was a gamble, but one that paid off like a jackpot.

Three years later, after conquering Tokyo and inspiring a generation, the chapter’s closing. On November 4, TOGETHXR dropped some bittersweet news on Instagram: Alix Klineman is hanging up her volleyball shoes. They shared a touching montage showcasing her volleyball journey, paired with a heartfelt video of Alix announcing her retirement, captioning it, “Congrats on an amazing career! Alix will retire from beach volleyball following this season.”

In a poignant farewell, Alix poured her heart out, stating, “Dear Volleyball. This is it. One last final week of practice with you. It still feels surreal.” Reflecting on her incredible 28-year journey, she reminisced about her humble beginnings, from “my first awkward serve at the age of six” to competing on grand stages around the world. Volleyball has been her refuge and her passion, her source of purpose and confidence, yet also her greatest adversary. With every championship won and every setback faced, she’s learned invaluable lessons—each moment weaving together a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped her spirit.

Fans were definitely feeling the weight of Alix’s retirement, with one heartfelt comment saying, “What a great & classy farewell. You were a tribute to your sport, both indoor & outdoor. And you gave our family a tremendous amount of excitement & joy, especially with your gold medal in Tokyo. You, April and all the VB athletes were just what Christian needed when we lost Sue. You helped keep his spirits up and his mind focused. And for that I am forever grateful! I wish you & your family the very best that life has to offer. Take care Alix!”

And yup, Alix isn’t just a beach volleyball star; she also shined on the indoor scene, playing in Italy from 2011 to 2015 and even spending two years with Praia Clube in Brazil. And this is just the start of all the love pouring in from fans!

Klineman receives all the love!

As mentioned, this was just the beginning, with more comments flooding in! One fan chimed in, “Congratulations!! One of the greats! Will miss watching you and April! 👏👏👏👏” While Alix steps away from the court, let’s not forget about her amazing partner, April Ross, who also announced her retirement earlier in October, revealing that she’ll hang up her spikes at the end of 2024. It seems like it’s the retirement season for these two volleyball legends, marking the close of a remarkable chapter in their incredible journeys!

Another fan added their heartfelt sentiment, saying, “You have so much to offer and contribute to the world of sports for women. Family comes first. Enjoy this special time. I look forward to seeing you in your next adventure.” In her emotional retirement video, Alix Klineman shared an open letter to volleyball, reflecting on how her priorities shifted after welcoming her son, Theo, into the world last year. After taking a brief pause, she returned to the court at the AVP Huntington Beach Open, but now it’s time to embrace family life and cherish those precious moments!

Alix Klineman, a dazzling four-time All-American at Stanford in indoor volleyball, made the bold leap to the beach in 2017. At 34 years old, she teamed up with April Ross to seize gold at the Tokyo Olympics, marking her only Olympic stint, yet what a remarkable impression she made! One fan captured the sentiment beautifully, commenting, “@alixklineman Congrats on your retirement! You had a great career. Best of luck in all your future endeavours.” Truly, she’s left an indelible mark on the sport with over 20 national medals!

Another fan shared their enthusiasm, declaring, “You’re amazing, and you will always inspire us!! I can’t wait to see what you do next ⚡” And let’s be real—it’s no small feat juggling motherhood while diving back into the game. Both Alix Klineman and her partner April Ross have done just that, proving that they can reclaim their spots in the sport and shine brightly. Their journey isn’t just about personal triumphs; it’s about empowering women and mothers everywhere to keep pursuing their passions. Talk about a legacy!