Olympic bronze medalist Carli Lloyd honored at alma mater Cal

Carli Lloyd took home a bronze medal with the US National Volleyball team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Friday night she returned to Bear Territory, medal in hand, where her former Cal teammates and coaches honored her in a special pre-game ceremony.

"I just want you guys to know that this place just means a lot to me," she said in an emotional speech to the crowd at Haas Pavilion. "And I'm just really thankful."

Carli visiting the team in the locker room before the match. #CalVolleyball pic.twitter.com/vs1o8DyXKF

— Cal Volleyball (@CalVolleyball) September 10, 2016

Lloyd is the first Cal volleyball player to make it to the Olympics, a no-brainer once you look at her history:

• Lloyd was the 2010 AVCA National Player of the Year
• Three-time All-American
• Led the Bears to two NCAA Final Fours in 2007 and 2012, which marked the only berths in Cal volleyball history

Lloyd did a Q&A and shared her medal with Cal fans in attendance.

Carli Lloyd night @CalVolleyball a huge hit as she signs, shows off bronze medal w/@usavolleyball, poses for photos. pic.twitter.com/MdAvEFCjKH

— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) September 10, 2016