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USC Provides Support to Former Players in Israel Amid Conflict

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. t-to-former-players-in-israel-amid-conflict.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, March 3rd 2026 at 20:25 GMT by Fox Carolina
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)

COLUMBIA, S.C. - March 4, 2026 - The University of South Carolina's women's basketball program is providing support to three former players caught in the crosshairs of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Teonna Jennings, LaTeisha Dearman, and Olivia Gainey, all former standouts for the Gamecocks, were in Israel conducting a basketball camp when Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward the country over the weekend. While Jennings and Dearman have successfully departed Israel and are en route home, Olivia Gainey remains in the country awaiting assistance with repatriation, according to university officials.

The situation underscores the increasingly complex risks faced by American citizens traveling or residing abroad, especially in regions experiencing heightened conflict. The basketball camp, organizers confirm, was scheduled and planned months prior to the recent surge in tensions between Iran and Israel, making the timing particularly fraught. The University of South Carolina has been proactive in monitoring the situation and coordinating with the U.S. State Department to ensure the safe return of its former athletes.

"We've been in constant contact with Teonna, LaTeisha and Olivia since the news broke," stated Dawnstalley Flanagan, the University's director of student-athlete development. "Our primary concern is their safety and well-being. We are working closely with US government officials and relevant agencies to expedite their return home. We are also providing comprehensive support to their families during this incredibly stressful time."

The Iranian missile strikes, launched in response to a recent strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria allegedly carried out by Israel, represent a significant escalation in the long-running conflict between the two nations. Experts are warning that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, with the potential for further retaliation and broader regional instability. The U.S. government has issued strong condemnations of Iran's actions and is working to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels.

This incident highlights the unique challenges faced by student-athletes, particularly after their collegiate careers, who often participate in international outreach programs and sporting events. Universities are increasingly implementing comprehensive risk assessment and emergency preparedness protocols for such activities, but unforeseen events like the current crisis can still pose significant challenges. The University of South Carolina's swift response, however, demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of its former players even after they leave the program.

The situation with Gainey is particularly delicate. While Jennings and Dearman were able to secure flights out of the country relatively quickly, logistical challenges and the ongoing conflict are delaying Gainey's departure. Officials are working diligently to secure her safe passage, coordinating with embassy personnel and international aid organizations. Family members, understandably anxious, are receiving regular updates from the University and the State Department.

Beyond the immediate concern for the safety of these three individuals, this event raises broader questions about travel advisories and the responsibility of organizations to protect those participating in international programs. The U.S. State Department currently has several travel advisories in place for the Middle East, with Israel listed as a high-risk destination. Travel insurance, emergency contact protocols, and robust communication plans are essential components of any international trip, especially to regions with geopolitical instability.

As of this report, the University of South Carolina continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. They are urging anyone with concerns about the former players to direct inquiries to the university's communications office. The Gamecock community is united in hoping for Olivia Gainey's swift and safe return home, alongside Teonna Jennings and LaTeisha Dearman, and for a de-escalation of the conflict in the region.