Kate Koval leaves LSU basketball program following team signing of Russian player

Center Kate Koval announced on Wednesday her departure from the LSU women’s basketball team. Koval cited the program’s recent recruitment of Anna Minaeva, a Russian player, as the reason for her exit. The Ukrainian-born athlete stated that the ongoing war in her home country and the loss of family members in Russian attacks made her position at the school untenable. While coach Kim Mulkey characterized the departure as a personal decision, she noted that the coaching staff would not avoid recruiting players based on international conflicts. Koval is currently seeking NCAA approval to gain immediate eligibility to play for another school during the upcoming 2026-27 season. She previously transferred to LSU from Notre Dame and was expected to hold a starting role for the team this year.

• 8:55 PMYahoo Sports — Ukrainian Player Confirms She Quit LSU Because Kim Mulkey Signed Russian
• 8:50 PMYahoo Sports — Kate Koval on leaving LSU after addition of Russian player: 'For me, this war is not distant or abstract'
• 8:32 PMYahoo Sports — Kate Koval says she left LSU, Kim Mulkey due to addition of Russian player
• 8:16 PMYahoo Sports — Ukrainian center Kate Koval details leaving LSU after recruitment of Russian player