April Ross, Olympic Gold Medalist Who Picked Up Beach Volleyball at Age 26, Announces Retirement at 42

Mar. 15, 2025

Sean M. Haffey/Getty

The 42-year-old athlete, who recentlymarried firefighter Josh Riley on Saturday, Sept. 14, announced her retirement in an emotionalInstagram poston Monday, Oct. 14.

Ross and Klineman currently compete in the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) League. According to the organization’swebsite, the duo has won two Manhattan Beach Open titles and 11 other AVP victories.

April Ross hits the ball during the finals at AVP Gold Series Championships against Emily Day and Betsi Flint at Oak Street Beach on September 01, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.Justin Casterline/Getty

Justin Casterline/Getty

Ross noted in her post that while there “were lots of ups 🙌🏼 and a few downs” in her career, she would have never imagined “picking up beach volleyball at 26 would lead to all this.”

“It feels both easy and hard for me to step away from playing,” she continued. “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. My motivation has been satisfied, and it’s time to chase other passions,” the beach volleyball player wrote, noting that she “cannot imagine traveling to tournaments and spending that much time away” from her family anymore.”

Ross and Riley welcomed son Ross Riley last October.

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“THANK YOU to all of you who have supported and cheered me on along the way, it has been so fun sharing my journey with you 💛 I hope you will keep following along for what’s next! 🤗,” she wrote.

source: people.com