Video Preview | Karen Aston Media Session

AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas women's basketball team on Friday embarks on an 11-day international trip to Italy. The Longhorns will visit the cities of Rome, Venice, Florence and Lake Como, and will play three games during their time abroad.

"I'm excited; this is a chance for all of us to spend some time together that's not so stressful," Texas head coach Karen Aston said. "I think it's critical that we'll have a chance to get to know each other in a different landscape where we can relax a little bit and have some fun."

The team will face opponents TK Hannover (Germany), FSG Academy (Holland) and Basket Costa (Italy) in competition.

The sites that the Longhorns will see include the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome; The Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City; the Leaning Tower of Pisa; and the cities of Florence, Venice and Como.

The Texas student-athletes have been taking a class this summer about Italian culture and history from the UT Department of French and Italian to prepare them for this trip. (Video: https://youtu.be/lY5NUIeIBhU)

"First and foremost, this is an academic experience for our team," Aston said. "Our team has had the opportunity to take a class on Italy and really learn a lot about the culture there and the things they're going to be able to see. It's been fun to hear them mention the things they've learned in the class."

Fans can keep up with the Horns in Italy by logging on to www.hookem.at/HornsInItaly, which will be updated with content throughout the duration of the trip.

LONGHORNS IN ITALY GAME SCHEDULE

Game 1

Monday, August 14

Texas vs. TK Hannover (Germany)

7 p.m. Italy | 12 p.m. Central

Rome, Italy | Stella Azzurra Sport Center



Game 2

Wednesday, August 16

Texas vs. FSG Academy (Holland)

6:30 p.m. Italy | 11:30 a.m. Central

Ponte Buggianese, Italy | Sandro Pertini Sport Center



Game 3

Saturday, August 19

Texas vs. Basket Costa

6:30 p.m. Italy | 11:30 a.m. Central

Costa Masnaga, Italy | Costa Masnaga Sport Center

LONGHORNS IN ITALY TEAM SCHEDULE

August 11 - Depart Austin

August 12 - Arrive Rome

August 14 - Game 1 (TK Hannover [Germany], 12 p.m. CT, Rome)

August 15 - Arrive Florence

August 16 - Game 2 (FSG Academy [Holland], 11:30 a.m. CT, Ponte Buggianese)

August 17 - Arrive Venice

August 19 - Arrive Lake Como

August 19 - Game 3 (Basket Costa, 11:30 a.m. CT, Costa Masnaga)

August 21 - Depart Italy, Arrive Austin