WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University women's basketball team took time out of their schedule on Monday to volunteer at the Washington Literacy Center just down the street from campus. With the conclusion of summer classes, the Hoyas have time to give back and bond before leaving for 10 days abroad in Italy and France.

The team helped spruce up the literacy center by painting and working with the volunteers and students to get the classrooms in order. The Washington Literacy Center serves adults who have the most limited reading skills, fewest job resources and greatest employment needs in the District of Columbia by addressing the issue of illiteracy. The literacy center adults are placed in small groups and attend intensive classes to gain reading proficiency.

"Overall it was it was fun and we all felt like it was a good experience because we got to help the community," said senior Katie McCormick (Leonardtown, Md./Saint Mary's Ryken).

After a summer of intensive classes and before the new school year, members of the squad were able to help out an underserved population and, at the same time, reflect on how fortunate they are to be at Georgetown University and have the ability to learn at such a high level.

"I loved the opportunity to work at the Washington Literacy Center, it was fun," said senior Logan Battle (Springfield, Va./West Springfield). "It was a great team-bonding experience for all of us and it was nice to give back to people who are less fortunate. We want them to feel good about the facility they are working in and keep pushing forward."

The bonding continued into Tuesday as the Hoyas did team-building activities to promote leadership and motivation. The sessions were led by Dr. Dean Hinitz who has worked with Georgetown in the past. Dr. Hinitz is a sports psychologist who works with athletes at all levels. He specializes in team building and preparation for high-intensity competition.

Georgetown will have Wednesday off, and then return to campus on Thursday as the team will leave for a 10-day tour abroad through Italy and France. The Hoyas will play three games on the trip as well as soaking in the culture throughout Europe.

Follow the women's basketball team on their travels with blogs and photo galleries on www.GUHoyas.com or follow the team on Twitter @GeorgetownWBB.