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Storm guard Tiffany Mitchell is one of several WNBA players playing professionally in Israel and attempting to return home after Israel and the United States launched an attack on Iran on Saturday.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said on social media Saturday that the school is trying to get former Gamecocks Mitchell, Destiny Littleton and Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and other WNBA players in Israel out of the country.
“Please pray for our @GamecockWBB @TiffMitch25 @2121Mikiah @dstnylttltn24 who are in a war zone in Israel,” Staley 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.”
Mitchell reposted Staley’s message along with three prayer hands emojis.
Following a 12-8 start last season, the Storm signed Mitchell on July 10 to bolster their sagging bench. She spent the first 16 games last season with the Las Vegas Aces before being waived, and initially provided a spark in Seattle before her production and playing time diminished.
Including the postseason, she played 24 games for the Storm while averaging 3.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 13 minutes off the bench.
“This season was definitely one I haven’t had,” Mitchell said during her exit interview in September after the Storm lost in the first round of the playoffs. “I’ve never been waived. I’ve never went to a team in the middle of the season. So, these experiences were different for me. But I also know who I am, and I know how I handle adversity.
“People might think that is adversity, but to me it’s an opportunity. I prepare well. I prepare as if I’m going to play 30-40 minutes a game. And that never changes, no matter what happens or what team I’m on.”
The 31-year-old Mitchell is a 10-year veteran who was selected No. 9 overall in the 2016 WNBA draft by Indiana and spent seven seasons with the Fever.
She’s played for four WNBA teams in the past three years, including one-year stints in Minnesota and Connecticut.
Other players in the Israeli league with Storm ties include Victoria Vivians, Arella Guirantes and Evina Westbrook, who was selected by the Storm in the second round of the 2022 WNBA draft.
WNBA players Christyn Williams and Shyanne Sellers are also reportedly in Isreal and trying to return to the United States.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
