UCLA Athletics kicked off the 2015-16 academic year with the 10th annual "Welcome Back Bruins" student-athlete picnic on Sept. 23 at Drake Stadium.

UCLA student-athletes, coaches and staff gathered on the eve of the first day of classes for the event that included a welcome from UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero and the announcement of the Donald R. Shepherd team academic awards. For the third consecutive year, Women's Golf earned the Highest Team GPA award. Swimming and Diving placed second, and Men's Tennis was third. Men's Golf earned the Most Improved Team GPA award, with Men's Cross Country close behind in second place and the defending NCAA champion Men's Water Polo team finishing in third place.

Following the event, a large group of student-athletes joined the announced crowd of 4,441 at the women's volleyball match vs. USC in Pauley Pavilion.