South Carolina Coach Seeks to Bring Players Home from Israel

Three former Gamecocks among WNBA players caught in escalating conflict

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley said the school is working to help three former Gamecocks players - Tiffany Mitchell, Destiny Littleton, and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan - return home from Israel, where they and other ex-WNBA players are currently playing professionally. The situation has become increasingly dangerous due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Why it matters

The safety of student-athletes is a top priority for universities, and the escalating tensions in the region have put these players in a precarious situation. South Carolina is taking steps to ensure their former players can return home safely as the conflict continues to unfold.

The details

The three former South Carolina players are among about half a dozen ex-WNBA players currently competing in the Israeli professional basketball league. In addition to Mitchell, Littleton, and Harrigan, other WNBA-affiliated players in Israel include Victoria Vivians, Christyn Williams, Shyanne Sellers, Arella Guirantes, and Evina Westbrook.

  • On March 1, 2026, Coach Dawn Staley posted on social media about the situation and the school's efforts to bring the players home.
  • Around 12:48 am local time, player Destiny Littleton posted on social media about trying to get some sleep amid the tense situation.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, who is working to help bring home three of her former players currently in Israel.

Tiffany Mitchell

A former South Carolina Gamecocks player who is currently playing professionally in Israel.

Destiny Littleton

A former South Carolina Gamecocks player who is currently playing professionally in Israel.

Mikiah Herbert Harrigan

A former South Carolina Gamecocks player who is currently playing professionally in Israel.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, University of South Carolina Women's Basketball (Twitter)

“It's 12:48 am and I'm going to attempt to get some sleep. Prayers for safety for everyone impacted.”

— Destiny Littleton, Former South Carolina Gamecocks Player (Social Media)

What’s next

The University of South Carolina is actively working on a plan to safely bring the three former Gamecocks players home from Israel as the conflict in the region continues.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges and risks faced by professional athletes playing overseas, especially in regions with heightened geopolitical tensions. Universities must be prepared to support and protect their student-athletes, even after they have graduated and moved on to professional careers.