Steve Salmons (2000) - Hall of Fame

Steve Salmons

Induction:
2000

Salmons was a 4-year starter at middle blocker on the UCLA volleyball team (1977-79, 81). Known for his competitive intensity, he was named the 1979 NCAA Player of the Year leading the Bruins to the National Championship with a 31-0 record – the first undefeated team in NCAA history. Salmons suffered a severe back injury while representing United States at the 1979 Pan Am games. After almost a year and a half of rehab and perseverance, Salmons returned to the Bruin line-up at the end of the 1981 season and then helped rally the team to a five game championship victory over USC in the 1981 NCAA Championship. In addition to his 1979 NCAA Player of the Year selection, Salmons was named All-American in 1978 and 1979 and to the NCAA All-Tournament teams on three occasions. Salmons was a US National Team Member in 1979 and 1981-86. He was a middle blocker on gold medal winning 1984 Olympic team and was considered one of the premier blockers in the world.