South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley announced that three former Gamecocks players are currently in Israel amid escalating military tensions. Tiffany Mitchell, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Destiny Littleton were identified by Staley as being in a war zone following United States-Israel military strikes against Iran. Staley took to social media to share that efforts are underway to bring the players home safely.

Staley posted on X that the players are working on a plan to return to the United States. Littleton shared videos from Jerusalem showing sirens in the background as she evacuated to a teammate's shelter. The former USC player described trying to stay calm while navigating the dangerous situation. Mitchell, who played for South Carolina from 2012 to 2016, has spent 10 seasons in the WNBA, most recently with the Seattle Storm. Herbert Harrigan was part of South Carolina's first national championship team in 2017 before being drafted sixth overall in 2020.

South Carolina athletics officials confirmed they have no additional information beyond Staley's social media posts. The situation highlights the impact of international conflicts on athletes competing abroad. All three players have expressed their determination to return home safely as tensions continue to rise in the region.