Months After April Ross’ Sudden Comeback, USA Legend Officially Ends Career Leaving the Volleyball Community Emotional: “You Are the GOAT”

A few months ago, three-time Olympic medalist April Ross surprised everyone with her sudden comeback. It had been two years since she last played in a tournament, and a lot had changed—she was now a mother to six-month-old Ross! However, when she decided to pair up with her Tokyo Olympic partner, Alix Klineman, after 2021, beach volleyball fans could hardly contain their excitement. Unfortunately, it seems the ecstasy was short-lived.

Taking to Instagram, April Ross added a post announcing her retirement from the sport. Yes, 18 years and 16 seasons later, the 42-year-old legend is ready to bid farewell to the game! She was 26 when she started, but today she writes, “I’m glad I can say I lived it to the fullest and that it was an absolute BLAST. At the same time, I’m in disbelief it’s (almost) over, it feels like it went by in a heartbeat.”

Ross agrees it has been a rollercoaster ride, and stepping away is bittersweet feeling. However, she believes she’d done her part as an athlete and now, she needs to step into the zone of motherhood for little Ross and her family. “After all the hard work I put into gearing up for this season after giving birth and making a big push to be ready for The League, I know I could keep playing. But I have the overwhelming feeling that I’ve done all I need to do as an athlete. She even adds, “My motivation has been satisfied and it’s time to chase other passions.”

With this, April Ross even thanked her friends, family, and fans, without whom she believes none of this would have been possible. And how could she forget to give her baller partners a shoutout? As she does that, she includes Alix Klineman. Although they failed to pick up the title at the AVP Huntington Beach Championships, but on competing with Klineman, Ross writes, “it wouldn’t have felt right any other way 🙏🏼❤️.” This truly leaves Klimenan overwhelmed as she comments back, “So grateful I got to spend my years on the beach as your partner. The best teammate, mentor, and friend 🙏🏼😭”

Well, she wasn’t alone; a number of friends, players, and supporters chimed in with congratulatory messages for April Ross. Some wished her well for the future, while others acknowledged the impact she had made on the sport.

April Ross gets heartwarming sendoff messages from her fans

One of the fans gives April Ross a fitting title. They write, “ROSS BOSSS!!!! You are the GOAT! Congrats to an incredible career and for paving the way. Your jump top spin serve will always be the hardest serve I’ve ever received. #BOSSROSS” Through out her career, April Ross, the six foot defender practiced the jump serve as her ‘meanest’ move. With a combination of speed and force, a successful jump serve often gives them an upper hand.

Initially, April Ross played indoors at USC. However, once she began competing internationally, she has participated in more than 250 tournaments, traveling to over 25 countries. With a decorated resume as a professional beach volleyball player, she has never been short on talent, having won the AVP Rookie of the Year award in her debut year.

This leads one of the commenters to appreciate, “We are so lucky and grateful to have witnessed your vball career 🐐 🙌 I’m so heartbroken it’s coming to an end and also so excited for you in your next chapter. Thank you for inspiring us. For me your work ethic, kindness, creativity (nunchucks warm up!!) and way you better the people up around you will be a part of your unique legacy of excellence in the sport. ❤️❤️❤️

Admittedly, nunchucks have been part of April Ross’s warm up routine for long. She would use them to keep her shoulders loose. However, Ross once admitted, “people seem a little shocked when I bring them out.” But truly, they have turned out to be a peculiar marker her fans remember to date.

Another on of her fans cited the impact that April Ross left on meeting them in person. “’ll never forget meeting you the first time at a USAVbeach juniors clinic at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista… you demonstrated how to square up for a bump set and each rep was PRISTINE. You’re incredible, April!! Congrats on an amazing career.🔥”

Indeed, she had an amazing career. With a silver medal from the 2012 Olympics and a bronze from the next one, April Ross entered Tokyo with great expectations. She was 39 then, one of the oldest female volleyball players to compete. But Ross defied the barriers. She performed exceptionally and bagged an Olympic gold in Tokyo! This led one of her fans to write, “An absolute legend. Still remember Brazil Olympics like yesterday. Captain America, thank you for everything ❤️”

But that’s not all. April Ross has also been a trailblazer in the sport. She was featured in ESPN’s Body Issue years ago, where she discussed her struggles with body image. However, she has learned to love her body and appreciate the power it is capable of producing.

Thus, one of her supporters adds, “You are a bada–. Not just for being dominant in this sport, but for everything off the court—the way you stand up for players, the strong voice you have for body positivity, the way you coach, and your leadership. Getting to spend some time around you recently, I understand how deeply impactful your presence is. I hope you’re involved in this sport for a very long time. ” What do you think of April Ross and her impact on the sport? Let us know below.