Kate Koval leaves LSU after addition of Russian player
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 3:39 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Kate Koval, a Ukrainian center, is departing from LSU shortly after the Tigers signed a player from Russia. The move comes less than two weeks following LSU's latest roster change, which has raised discussions regarding the implications of international player acquisitions. Further details on Koval's next steps or reasons for leaving have yet to be disclosed.
- •Kate Koval leaves LSU soon after a Russian player joins.
- •The team made the roster change less than two weeks ago.
- •Details on Koval's reasons for leaving are not confirmed.
- •Potential implications for team composition and future games remain uncertain.
- 3:39 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ukrainian star leaves LSU women’s basketball team after signing of Russian recruit
- 4:04 AMESPN — Koval of Ukraine exits after LSU adds Russian big
- 4:01 AMYahoo Sports — LSU women's basketball loses Kate Koval, a Ukrainian, days after Tigers sign Russian center
"Center Kate Koval departs after one season with Tigers Anna Minaeva of Russia joined team earlier this month Kim Mulkey hoped two could be ‘ambassadors’ for peace Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia. LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Monday night that the 6ft 5in Koval was leaving for “personal reasons”, adding that the program will “respect her privacy on her decision”. Continue reading...
"Kate Koval is from Kyiv, and her father is part of the Ukrainian military and has fought in the war against Russia.
"Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportAug 25, 2026, 3:39 PMUkrainian star leaves LSU women’s basketball team after signing of Russian recruit
Center Kate Koval departs after one season with Tigers Anna Minaeva of Russia joined team earlier this month Kim Mulkey hoped two could be ‘ambassadors’ for peace Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia. LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Monday night that the 6ft 5in Koval was leaving for “personal reasons”, adding that the program will “respect her privacy on her decision”. Continue reading...
- ESPNAug 25, 2026, 4:04 AMKoval of Ukraine exits after LSU adds Russian big
Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 4:01 AMLSU women's basketball loses Kate Koval, a Ukrainian, days after Tigers sign Russian center
Kate Koval is from Kyiv, and her father is part of the Ukrainian military and has fought in the war against Russia.
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