Tiffany Mitchell, a WNBA player currently caught in the escalating conflict in Israel, remains stuck as missile strikes continue in the region. The University of South Carolina is actively coordinating efforts to bring Mitchell, along with former players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Destiny Littleton, back home safely amid the ongoing military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
These former women’s basketball stars were all in Israel during the intensifying joint missile attacks. Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach, shared updates on social media, calling for prayers for their safe return as the situation worsened.
Current Situations of Mitchell, Herbert Harrigan, and Littleton in Israel
Dawn Staley posted on X to raise awareness about the precarious circumstances surrounding Mitchell, Herbert Harrigan, and Littleton. She wrote:
“Please pray for our @GamecockWBB @TiffMitch25 @2121Mikiah @dstnylttltn24 who are in a war zone in Israel,”
and added,
“We are working a plan to get home. Let us pray for our loved ones to return home safely asap! Thank you in advance.”
Destiny Littleton, who played for the South Carolina Gamecocks between 2019 and 2022 and currently competes for Hapoel Lev Jerusalem in the Israeli Women Basketball Premier League, posted video updates confirming her safety while preparing for missile alerts. She explained in one of her videos,
“I’m about to head to the shelter now,”
adding,
“Unfortunate, but this is the circumstance right now.”
Both Mitchell and Herbert Harrigan shared Staley’s plea on social media but have not commented further amid the volatile situation.
Players’ Professional Histories and Current Engagements
Tiffany Mitchell most recently played the 2025 season with the Seattle Storm after beginning that year with the Las Vegas Aces. She has extensive experience playing internationally, including time in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League and the Israeli Women Basketball Premier League, where she won the 2019 championship with Hapoel Lev Jerusalem. Although it is unclear if she was actively playing for the team at the time of the strikes, she announced on Instagram in November that she signed with Beijing Great Wall in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association.
Mikiah Herbert Harrigan was a top draft pick, selected sixth overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft, and last played in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 before being traded and later waived by the Dallas Wings. She continues her professional career in Israel with Elitzur Ramla in the premier women’s league there.
Destiny Littleton’s overseas career includes signing with Hapoel Lev Jerusalem in November, where she competes professionally after winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2017 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup.
Regional Conflict and Military Actions Intensify
On Saturday morning, the United States and Israel launched simultaneous military strikes against Iranian targets. Former President Donald Trump supported the offensive in a video posted on Truth Social, encouraging Iranians to overthrow their government once major combat operations conclude.
In response, Iran launched missile counterstrikes targeting U.S. installations across several countries. According to Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, roughly 40 missiles struck Israel, while others targeted the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and military sites in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Efforts to Ensure Safe Return and Broader Implications
The University of South Carolina is working continually to repatriate Mitchell, Herbert Harrigan, and Littleton as security concerns escalate. Their situation highlights the risks faced by American athletes competing overseas during geopolitical turmoil, especially in volatile regions like the Middle East.
The ongoing conflict could impact international sports events and player safety as military tensions remain high. Observers are closely monitoring developments, hoping diplomatic or logistical solutions will facilitate the swift and secure exit of U.S. personnel and athletes caught in the conflict zone.
