July 7, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Members of the Kansas women's basketball team took a break from summer workouts Saturday morning to help construction on a local house for Lawrence Habitat for Humanity. All 11 Jayhawk players as well as several members of the team staff were on hand in East Lawrence to help other volunteers with the build.

"This is a great bonding experience," said senior-to-be Angel Goodrich. "Coming out and being able to help a family and build a house together as a team - it's awesome to be out here."

Players and staff arrived at the build site just before 8 a.m., Saturday morning. With supervision and direction from local volunteer builders and contractors, KU players spent the three-hour shift working both inside and outside framing, painting and building.

"I like working outside and doing construction," senior-to-be Monica Engelman explained. "My mom always has me doing stuff around the house so its fun to do and actually be helping someone out. I just got off the staple gun and that was cool."

The players helped with framing a wall for a shed in the backyard of the house. They also painted trim of the house's exterior as well as the soffit. Thanks to the Jayhawks' efforts the home is now beginning the final stages of the building process. 

"This is a great experience," said sophomore-to-be Bunny Williams. "You get a chance to help the community and meet new people. I think that's great."

For more information on Lawrence Habitat for Humanity go to www.lawrencehabitat.org.