AVP icon Stein Metzger has received the ultimate honor bestowed upon a former Bruin: induction into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. At halftime of the Oct. 9 UCLA-Oregon football game at the Rose Bowl, he accepted the accolade with pride.

“I was extremely honored,” Metzger said while reflecting during a phone interview from his residence on Honolulu’s famed Gold Coast. “It’s one thing to get an individual accolade, but it’s something else entirely to be recognized for your overall achievements, especially when you take into account the names of those who shared the stage with me that day, and the storied history surrounding all of UCLA athletics.”

Inducted with Metzger were Tyus Edney (basketball), James Haralson (football/track and field), Cade McNown (football), Nicolle Payne (water polo), J.J. Stokes (football), Daiva Tomkus (volleyball), and Walt Torrence (basketball). Fittingly, UCLA’s storied athletic tradition influenced Metzger’s decision to become a Bruin well in advance.

“I was, like, 13, going to school at Punahou, and this college guy, Trevor Sherman, just came home from a break at UCLA,” Metzger recalled. “He was the man, bouncing balls in the gym, winning championships. I knew that’s what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be.”

During the recruiting process, UCLA showed it wanted Metzger as well. Coaches told Metzger that if he became a Bruin, he would be allowed to train at both setter and outside hitter during his freshman season and eventually choose his position. When Metzger arrived on campus, however, things didn’t go exactly as planned. UCLA’s tone had changed and Metzger was forced to make an immediate decision on the first day of fall practice. After examining the Bruins’ talent at outside hitter, a position that stemmed All-American depth down eight spots, Metzger elected to set, and the rest became history.

During his career, the Bruins captured three NCAA titles (1993, 1995 and 1996) with Metzger being named NCAA All-Tournament twice. Metzger was also named American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American in 1995 and 1996 and National Co-Player of the Year in 1996.

On the AVP Tour, Metzger paired with Jake Gibb to form the 2005 AVP Team of the Year while capturing four event titles. In 2006, Metzger partnered with childhood friend Mike Lambert and earned AVP Team of the Year honors again, while also winning the inaugural Crocs Cup Championship.

During his beach career, he captured 18 titles (16 domestic, 2 international) and won bronze at the 2001 Goodwill Games and silver at the 2003 FIVB World Championships. Metzger also competed in the 2004 Olympics and finished fifth with partner Dax Holdren, adding to the resume of one of the best volleyball players and UCLA athletes ever--with Hall of Fame credentials to prove it.