PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Even as many student-athletes are spending their summer vacation away from campus, some members of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Men's and Women's Basketball teams took some time out to give back to the community. The squads teamed together for one common purpose-to help the local Lower Shore community.

The freshmen and sophomores from the women's team partnered with a couple of upper classmen from the men's team to volunteer their time and talents with Habitat for Humanity.

"It was a great way to bond and learn the significance of providing a helping hand," said graduate student Derrico Peck (Atlanta). "We were able to come together and help renovate two different homes. We cannot wait to go back and do another project with them."

The organization builds homes for people in need across the United States. The athletes worked with the local chapter in Wicomico County to help construct a home near Salisbury and the players alone accounted for 72 hours of service combined in one day.

"Working with Habitat for Humanity was great," said sophomore guard Ciani Byrom (Winston-Salem, N.C.). "It took us out of our comfort zone and gave us a chance to work with various tools like a saw or a drill."

Graduate Women's Assistant Coach Vontreece Hayes and SAAC coordinator Talareah Campbell were also there to assist with the numerous task the players were given.

"It was definitely a team bonding experience for the girls," Hayes said. "Most of us have never done anything like this, so it was a great way for us to work on our communicating skills."

The homes, which the Hawk volunteers helped to build, will go to two different families.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, visit either the national website at www.habitat.org or the local Wicomico County chapter at www.wicomicohabitat.org. You can also call the Salisbury branch at (410) 546-1551.

Both the men and women's 2016-2017 season will began in November.