Columbus Fury players promote literacy with 2nd & 7 foundation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's only major professional women's sports team took some time giving back this week.

The Columbus Fury partnered with 2nd & 7, a foundation based on connecting kids with positive role models while promoting literacy and the concept of paying it forward. Fury players read to students at local elementary schools Thursday and Friday afternoon.

The professional volleyball team is currently in training camp, and as part of their community commitment, are working with 2nd & 7 to promote reading. Since its start in 1999, 2nd & 7 has donated more than 800,000 books to kids in need across the country.

Teammates read at Livingston Elementary on Thursday and at West Broad Elementary on Friday. Recently drafted Fury player Kate Geogiades said working with the nonprofit is a great way to connect with the community.

"It's a really cool opportunity knowing that we are able to reach back out to the community," Georgiades said. "It's just really cool to see their faces light up when we walk into the room.

Georgiades and her teammates also told the students to come to the Fury's first game of the season next month, which will take place on Jan. 11 at Nationwide Arena. During its inaugural 2024 season, the Fury averaged 4,518 fans in attendance per game, the third-highest attendance in the world for women's pro volleyball.