Coach Dawn Staley Works to Bring 3 Players Home from Israel

When military strikes hit Israel, three former South Carolina women's basketball players found themselves thousands of miles from home in an active conflict zone.

Coach Dawn Staley took to social media Saturday to share that Tiffany Mitchell, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Destiny Littleton were competing professionally in Israel when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. She immediately began coordinating efforts to bring them home safely.

"We are working a plan to get home," Staley wrote, asking for prayers for their safe return. The coach's swift action shows the deep bonds that extend far beyond a player's college years.

Destiny Littleton posted several videos from Jerusalem, updating worried friends and family about her situation. With sirens sounding in the background, she explained she had packed her belongings and was heading to a teammate's shelter.

"I'm just trying to stay calm," Littleton said in one video. Despite the frightening circumstances, she kept her composure and continued communicating to let loved ones know she was okay.

Hours later, Littleton shared better news. She had reached a safe location and the sirens had stopped. "We have been siren free and boom sound free for the last couple of hours," she wrote, asking for continued prayers for everyone affected.

Why This Inspires

Coach Staley's response demonstrates something beautiful about the sports community. These aren't just former players on a roster from years past. Mitchell was a starter on South Carolina's first Final Four team back in 2015. Herbert Harrigan helped win the program's first national championship in 2017.

The bond between coach and player doesn't end at graduation. When crisis strikes, that connection activates into real support and action. Staley didn't just send thoughts and prayers. She mobilized resources and worked concrete plans to get her former players home.

The three athletes represent the growing number of American basketball players competing overseas during WNBA offseasons. They pursue their passion and livelihood around the world, and sometimes that means navigating unexpected dangers.

Right now, all three players are safe and working toward returning home. Their families, teammates, and the entire South Carolina community are rallying around them with support and prayers.