CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

CDM Fitness Hosts Beach Volleyball Medalists Kessy, Ross

Dozens of fans gathered Wednesday afternoon at CDM Fitness to meet Olympic silver medalists April Ross and Jennifer Kessy, who trained at the club for two years before this summer’s games in London.

Beach volleyball players Ross and Kessy, who who won the silver medal, teamed up in 2007 and also trained on Big Corona State Beach.

“They’re super duper hard workers,” said Dave Jurevich, owner of CDM Fitness, who trained the players and attended the London games. “Their passion and work ethic is great.”

“They’re inspirational,” said Vicki Kramer of Corona del Mar as she snapped photos of the players with her daughter Grace, a Corona del Mar Middle School student. Grace is a club volleyball player and said after watching the Olympics and meeting Ross and Kessy, she may switch to beach.

Volleyball players Kenzie Sullivan of Placentia and Hayden McElroy of Brea, both 12, talked about the game while the women signed pictures and added, “Get Sandy” along with their names. The girls discussed the pain of having to forfeit a game, even when an injury is involved.

“We hate to forfeit, too,” Kessy said.

When asked what advice the team would offer to young, aspiring volleyball players, Kessy said to never give up and be a good teammate.

“You have to keep trying and keep going,” she said. “Keep working and have fun.”

CDM Fitness is located at 2841 East Coast Highway. The event was co-sponsored by the team’s nutritional sponsor, Ritual Wellness.