Dawn Staley Addresses Safety Concerns Ahead of South Carolina’s Season-Opening Trip to Paris
South Carolina women’s basketball appears set to begin its 2026–27 campaign in Paris despite concerns about civil unrest and protests across France. Head coach Dawn Staley has addressed the situation, emphasizing that the safety of her players and staff remains the program’s top priority.
The Gamecocks are scheduled to open their season in the French capital against Maryland at the Oui-Play event. However, the trip comes amid demonstrations that have attracted international attention and, on occasion, escalated into violence in Paris and other French cities.
Although many of the protests have remained peaceful, the situation has raised questions about whether the international basketball event could proceed as planned. For South Carolina, the decision to travel has involved ongoing communication with organizers and people familiar with conditions on the ground.
Dawn Staley Emphasizes Player Safety
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Staley explained that South Carolina has received assurances from event organizers regarding security arrangements for the visiting teams.
“The event organizer, they know we don’t want to put any of our teams, our players in harm’s way,” Staley told reporters Tuesday. “They assured us that the place is secure. There is a security organization that all the teams have to make sure that it’s a safe environment.”
Staley’s comments suggest that the program is taking the situation seriously while relying on the event’s established security measures. Protecting the players, coaches and support staff remains central to the team’s preparations for the season opener.
South Carolina, which was scheduled to depart for Paris on Wednesday, has also maintained regular contact with officials and other decision-makers involved in the event.
According to Staley, those conversations have provided the team with additional information about developments in France and the precautions being taken locally.
“We’ve been talking about it,” Staley said. “We’ve actually got people who are there that’s giving us just some insight on how things are. I think they’re closing stores a lot earlier.”
The information has helped the Gamecocks monitor conditions as they prepare for their international journey.
Recent Sporting Event Offers Some Reassurance
Another development that could provide context for South Carolina’s trip is the recent decision to proceed with an NFL game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
Despite security concerns and the cancellation of a fan event shortly before the game, the matchup went ahead without interruptions. That outcome offers an example of a major sporting event proceeding under heightened public attention, although it does not guarantee that conditions will remain unchanged for the Gamecocks’ visit.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for France on October 21. The advisory system ranges from Level 1 to Level 4, with Level 4 representing the highest level of warning.
Under a Level 2 advisory, travelers are encouraged to “exercise increased caution,” according to the State Department’s website. Visitors are therefore advised to remain aware of their surroundings and follow relevant safety guidance.
Protests Spread Beyond Paris
The demonstrations reportedly began in Paris in late September, when students organized relatively small protests over school conditions. In the weeks that followed, the unrest expanded across France and reached other parts of Europe.
The demonstrations have increasingly focused on broader economic circumstances and government policies. While many gatherings have remained peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have added to concerns about public safety.
For South Carolina, the priority will be ensuring that the team can complete its travel and competition schedule safely.
A Familiar Destination for the Gamecocks
This will mark South Carolina’s second trip to Paris in three years. The Gamecocks previously opened their 2023 season in the French capital during the inaugural Oui-Play event, defeating Notre Dame.
That earlier trip proceeded normally, without additional security concerns affecting the team’s plans.
The circumstances surrounding the upcoming visit are different, however, and the program will continue to monitor developments as the opening game approaches.
South Carolina enters the new season with considerable expectations, and the Paris matchup against Maryland represents its first opportunity to begin putting its preparation into action.
For now, Staley’s message is clear: the Gamecocks intend to proceed with their plans while placing player safety first and staying informed about conditions in France. The event’s security arrangements and continued communication with local contacts will remain important as the team prepares for its season opener.
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