Nine UCLA student-athletes have achieved Academic All-District honors by College Sports Communicators, recognized for their excellence in both athletics and academics. Notable honorees include beach volleyball champions Maggie Boyd and Sally Perez, who led UCLA to its third NCAA title, and gymnast Riley Jenkins, who aided in the team's fifth-place national finish. Each athlete has maintained a GPA of 3.50 or higher and is eligible for Academic All-America consideration. The announcement reflects the strong academic performance alongside notable athletic achievements of these student-athletes. Results for the Academic All-America ballots will be released on July 7 and 8.

By the Numbers
  • Nine UCLA athletes earned Academic All-District honors across 23 NCAA sports.
  • Boyd ranks No. 4 all-time at UCLA with 122 career wins.
  • Kelly led the men's volleyball team with 396 kills, hitting .398 for the season.
  • Dodd scored 42 goals and had 42 assists in men's water polo this season.
Yes, But

While the student-athletes excelled academically and athletically, some may argue that the emphasis on individual accolades distracts from team dynamics and collective achievements within their respective sports.

State of Play
  • UCLA's beach volleyball team recently clinched their third NCAA championship.
  • The gymnastics team finished fifth in the national championship and won back-to-back Big Ten titles.
  • The men's water polo team secured their 14th NCAA title and continues to thrive under rigorous competition.
What's Next

The upcoming weeks will see the release of the Academic All-America lists, with potential recognition for several Bruins, highlighting the ongoing commitment to academic excellence in tandem with athletic success.

Bottom Line

The collective accomplishments of these nine student-athletes underscore the vital intersection of academic achievement and competitive success in collegiate sports. Their recognition reflects commitment, talent, and a legacy of excellence at UCLA.