Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Center Kate Koval Departs LSU Women’s Basketball Program
8/25/2026, 8:06:24 AM
Core Event
On Monday, Aug. 24, LSU announced that junior forward Kate Koval is leaving the women’s basketball program for “personal reasons.” The decision was communicated to head coach Kim Mulkey during a meeting on Sunday, after which Mulkey issued a public statement on the university’s athletic-department website.
Background & Context
- Kate Koval – born in Kyiv, Ukraine, transferred to LSU after a freshman season at Notre Dame where she earned All-ACC Freshman honors. She was ranked the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 and the No. 1 post player by ESPN Hoopgurlz.
- Anna Minaeva – a 6-ft-5 post player from Russia, signed by LSU less than two weeks before Koval’s departure. Minaeva previously played for MBA Moscow in the Russian Women’s Premier League.
- The two athletes were slated to become the first Ukrainian–Russian teammates in collegiate women’s basketball since the Russo-Ukrainian war began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict that has continued for more than four years.
Data & Statistics
- Koval’s 2025-26 season: appeared in 35 games (17 starts), averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, shot 56.0 % from the field and 75.2 % from the free-throw line, recorded 43 blocks (10th nationally).
- Career totals at LSU: 292 points, 43 blocks, 14 double-digit scoring games, seven double-doubles.
- Minaeva: 6-ft-5, 17 years old, former MBA Moscow player; her addition was announced as part of LSU’s 2026-27 roster build-up.
All statistics are drawn from the LSU athletic department’s release and supporting coverage.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mulkey emphasized respect for Koval’s privacy, noting that the decision was “hard” and that Koval “loves LSU.” Mulkey added that the program fully supports Koval’s choice and wishes her the best. In earlier remarks, Mulkey said she hoped Koval and Minaeva could serve as “ambassadors” for their respective countries, stressing that recruiting decisions would not be dictated by the geopolitical conflict.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The departure is described only as “personal reasons”; no detailed explanation has been provided.
- One source reports that Koval’s father, Oleksandr Koval, is serving in the Ukrainian military, but other outlets do not mention this detail, leaving the relevance to her decision unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kate came to see me on Sunday and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons,” — Kim Mulkey, LSU coach
- “We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” — Kim Mulkey, LSU coach
- “I want you to understand I'm not here to ask you to change how you feel about Russia,” — Kim Mulkey, LSU coach
- “Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that,” — Kim Mulkey, LSU coach
What’s Next
LSU must reconfigure its frontcourt before the season opens on November 2 at home against Southeastern Louisiana. The coaching staff is expected to explore options—including potential transfers or fifth-year eligibility candidates—to fill the void left by Koval’s exit.
