[College Sports News]

While most UI students are relaxing after finals week, the women's basketball team will be preparing for a summer international competition May 23-June 2 in Greece. The Hawkeyes will play three games against Greece's National Team, starting on May 27.

Even though there's still a lot of work to do before the first tip-off, all the Hawkeyes, including Head Coach Lisa Bluder, are excited to go overseas and get some quality playing time. Bluder's also excited about the team building chemistry for next season.

"I think it's a great opportunity for coming closer together as a team. When you enjoy things off the court and you grow off the court, it usually helps you grow on the court as a cohesive unit as well," she said.

During the 11-day trip, they will be spending time in Thessaloniki, Athens and Vouliagmeni. The extra time sight-seeing will give the Hawkeyes a chance to experience a new culture, something many of the teammates haven't done.

"When you go on the actual trip, yes, the competition is great, but to me, just seeing the players experience a different culture, seeing them experience different foods or hearing different people talk or seeing incredible history or incredible art...just to see their worlds expand is really, really enjoyable for me," she said.

More Than Competition

[College Sports News]

The excitement is building for the Iowa women's basketball team's 11-day trip to Greece. Coach Bluder and the Hawkeyes are in the final stretch in preparing for its trip... The Hawkeyes, who are granted 10 days of practice from the NCAA to help prepare for its international competition, began utilizing the extra time last weekend. The Hawkeyes are expecting to practice about 20 hours this week... The Hawkeyes leave for Greece one week from today.

Greece Countdown: The Final Stretch