UCLA Athletics jump-started the 2014-15 academic year with the ninth annual "Welcome Back Bruins" Barbecue on Oct. 1 at Drake Stadium. UCLA student-athletes, coaches and staff gathered on the eve of the first day of classes for a welcome-back function that included food from Naples Rib Company and the opportunity for new and returning Bruins to meet and mingle.

UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero welcomed the student-athletes, and the Donald R. Shepherd team academic awards were announced. For the second consecutive year, women's golf earned the Highest Team GPA award. Swimming and Diving placed second, followed by Men's Tennis. Softball received the Most Improved Team GPA award, and women's basketball and men's volleyball also placed in the Top 3 for most improved.