UPDATE: South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley urgently announced via social media that the university is working to bring three former players home from Israel, where they are currently playing professionally amidst escalating conflict. The players, Tiffany Mitchell, Destiny Littleton, and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, are part of a group of former WNBA athletes now caught in a war zone as Israel and the United States launched a major attack on Iran earlier today.
Staley’s plea on X drew immediate attention as she called for prayers and support for the athletes. “Please pray for our @GamecockWBB @TiffMitch25 @2121Mikiah @dstnylttltn24 who are in a war zone in Israel,” she wrote. “We are working a plan to get home. Let us pray for our loved ones to return home safely ASAP! Thank you in advance.”
The situation escalated quickly, placing these athletes in a critical and dangerous environment. Mitchell, who played last season with the Seattle Storm, and Harrigan, formerly with the Phoenix Mercury, are joined by other WNBA-linked players currently in the Israeli league, including Victoria Vivians, Christyn Williams, Shyanne Sellers, Arella Guirantes, and Evina Westbrook.
In a poignant tweet sent at 12:48 AM, Littleton expressed her anxiety, stating, “I’m going to attempt to get some sleep. Prayers for safety for everyone impacted.”
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Families and fans are rallying in support, with many sharing Staley’s call to action on social media platforms. The university has not disclosed specific details about the evacuation plan but emphasized that they are actively pursuing options to ensure the players’ safety.
As tensions remain high in the region, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for these athletes and their families. The international community is closely monitoring developments, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as officials work tirelessly to bring these players back home safely.
