Several WNBA players, including former South Carolina athletes, are currently stranded in Israel as conflict intensifies following retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran. The disruption erupted over the weekend when Israel and the United States initiated a significant offensive against Iranian targets, provoking deadly counterattacks that have endangered numerous foreign athletes playing in the Israeli league during the WNBA offseason.
Efforts Underway to Bring Former Gamecocks Safely Home
Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, disclosed that the university is actively coordinating plans to secure the return of three ex-players: Tiffany Mitchell, Destiny Littleton, and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan. These former players, along with a larger group of WNBA-affiliated athletes, have been impacted by the escalating violence that has turned their professional opportunity abroad into a life-threatening situation.
Staley took to social media, asking for prayers and support for her former players amid the turmoil. She wrote,
“Please pray for our @GamecockWBB @TiffMitch25 @2121Mikiah @dstnylttltn24 who are in a war zone in Israel. We are working a plan to get home. Let us pray for our loved ones to return home safely asap! Thank you in advance.”
She later added,
“Thank you everyone for praying for our @GamecockWBB players and family members. Please keep them covered in prayer until they are home! Appreciate it!”
Background on WNBA Players in the Region
Beyond the trio of former South Carolina stars, other WNBA-associated players currently competing in Israel include Victoria Vivians, Christyn Williams, Shyanne Sellers, Arella Guirantes, and Evina Westbrook. Tiffany Mitchell last played for the Seattle Storm, while Mikiah Herbert Harrigan was with the Phoenix Mercury. These athletes, competing overseas for financial reasons during the offseason, now face heightened risk amid the ongoing conflict.
Firsthand Accounts from the Ground in Israel
Destiny Littleton has shared her harrowing experiences navigating the dangerous environment in Jerusalem. During the airstrikes, she documented her attempts to find shelter as sirens blared and missiles flew overhead. Littleton tweeted,
“It’s 12:48 am and I’m going to attempt to get some sleep. Prayers for safety for everyone impacted.”
Video footage posted by Littleton shows her hurriedly seeking refuge amidst bomb noises and sirens. She describes hearing multiple bomb explosions and trying to locate the designated safe room, which involved finding a particular blue door that leads to shelter. Her narration conveys a mixture of fear and urgency as she struggles to stay calm while moving toward safety.
Escalating Regional Hostilities After Iranian Leader’s Death
The crisis intensified following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in an attack on his Tehran compound. In response, US and Israeli forces launched a two-day barrage of strikes targeting sites in Iran’s capital, with explosions reported in Tehran. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel, US installations in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia’s capital, and Dubai, heightening fears of broader instability.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a stark warning about launching its “most intense offensive operation” against Israel and US bases. Meanwhile, the nation has appointed a 66-year-old cleric to join a three-member leadership council governing the country while a new supreme leader is selected, signaling a tense transition period.
Personal Impact of Conflict on the Athletes and Local Population
The situation’s gravity is underscored by images of officials combing through missile strike debris near Jerusalem, close to the city of Bet Shemesh. Littleton’s filmed accounts provide an unfiltered view of the stress and danger faced by foreign athletes and civilians alike during the strikes. She captures moments of panic as sirens continue to sound and explosions shake the area.
Her videos record the confusion and fear as she tries to navigate toward safety, highlighting the human toll behind the headlines. At one point, after finally locating the shelter, a loud explosion rattles nearby, prompting a startled reaction as she says,
“Oh s***. Oh s***. Where is it? Did you hear that? Oh f*** me.”
Implications and the Path Forward for Those Trapped
This evolving crisis poses an urgent challenge for the WNBA players stuck in Israel and their families. Efforts by South Carolina and others to facilitate their safe return demonstrate the high stakes of the conflict on individual lives beyond the geopolitical scale. The ongoing violence threatens further disruption, as both sides continue to exchange attacks, which may delay rescue or evacuation operations.
Their ordeal highlights the vulnerability of international athletes and expatriates caught in volatile regions. The wider regional repercussions could escalate instability across the Middle East, impacting many more civilians and foreign nationals. Monitoring developments and ensuring effective evacuation planning remain critical priorities as the situation unfolds.
It’s 12:48 am and I’m going to attempt to get some sleep . Prayers for safety for everyone impacted
— Destiny Littleton (@dstnylttltn24) February 28, 2026
