Ukraine's Kate Koval leaves LSU after Kim Mulkey signs Russian player

Key Points:

• Kate Koval, LSU’s anticipated starting center for the upcoming women's basketball season, is leaving the program for personal reasons, as announced by head coach Kim Mulkey.
• Koval’s departure comes shortly after LSU signed Anna Minaeva, a 6-foot-5 center from Russia, which may have influenced her decision given Koval's Ukrainian heritage and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
• Koval, a highly ranked recruit and former Notre Dame player, will likely have to wait until the transfer portal opens in April to join a new team and use her remaining two years of NCAA eligibility.
• Koval has a notable background, having fled Ukraine in 2021 due to conflict, and her family remains affected by the war, with her father serving in the Ukrainian military; she also recently represented Ukraine in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Cup.
• LSU coach Mulkey emphasized respect for Koval’s feelings regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and expressed hope that Koval and Minaeva could act as "ambassadors" for friendship despite geopolitical tensions.