CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A surprise attack in Israel sparked terror and left hundreds of bodies lying in the streets.
"While I was there, some of my teammates saw some of their friends deceased on the news," Maya Caldwell, a WNBA player with the Indiana Fever, said.
Maya Caldwell was one of many who were there when the war started; her apartment was about 30 minutes away from the destruction.
"Sirens were going off, and everyone was telling me to get to safety," Maya Caldwell said.
Maya Caldwell said after going 45 minutes away to a teammate's home for safety, it took another five days for her to make it back to Charlotte.
Her dad said he didn't sleep for days, worrying about her.
"This laid a little heavy on my mind," Bernard Caldwell said. "When you think about your child being overseas in a different country and there is nothing you can do about that situation -- that takes you to your knees a whole lot quicker."
Bernard Caldwell said it was a struggle getting his daughter back home with many flights continuing to cancel.
Maya Caldwell said along with flight cancellations, there were also concerns about flying in general.
"I was a little nervous about flying once I heard that there were rockets," Maya Caldwell said. "Do I want to look out the window or not?"
The Caldwells said tensions were high, but their faith was stronger.
"Her faith is strong, my faith is strong, so I prayed" Patricia Caldwell, Maya's mom, said. "I knew that God would bring her back, had no doubt."
The Caldwells said while they’re thankful for Maya’s safe return, their hearts are still with those who are hurting and trying to get back home. Families living there fear more destruction with many Americans still trying to get back home.
"There's people there that I know and care about that are going through it," Maya Caldwell said. "They can't leave because that's their home."
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.