Full Breakdown
Louisiana State University (LSU) Center Kate Koval Departs Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
8/26/2026, 5:56:32 AM
Background and Context
Ukrainian native Kate Koval, a 6-foot-5 post who transferred from Notre Dame after her freshman season, spent the 2025-26 campaign with the LSU women’s basketball team. She averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game and ranked 20th nationally in offensive rebounding rate (17.4%). Koval’s father, Oleksandr, serves as a drone operator for the Ukrainian military, a fact that has been highlighted in multiple reports.
In early August, LSU announced the signing of 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva, a former professional with MBA Moscow. The signing came ten days after the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict that research by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates has caused more than 2 million casualties.
Performance Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Kim Mulkey released a university statement on August 24 confirming Koval’s departure “for personal reasons” and emphasizing respect for the athlete’s privacy. Mulkey noted that she had a “long talk” with Koval and expressed support for the decision. The program also reiterated that, under current NCAA rules, Koval cannot join another school until the transfer portal reopens in April, and she would need a waiver to compete this season.
The coach further stated that she hoped the two players could serve as “ambassadors” for peace, but she did not confirm that the signing directly caused Koval’s exit.
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, from head coach
- “We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” — Kim Mulkey, from head coach
- “I want you to understand I'm not here to ask you to change how you feel about Russia,” — Kim Mulkey, from head coach
- “Know that what I have to do in this business, I cannot make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries.” — Kim Mulkey, from head coach
What's Next
Because the transfer portal remains closed, Koval is expected to wait until the portal opens in April before she can seek a new program. LSU’s roster for the upcoming season will rely on Minaeva, forward Grace Knox, forward Noa Morro and forward Meghan Yarnevich to fill the front-court void left by Koval’s departure. The Tigers open their 2026-27 campaign on Nov. 2 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
