Kate Koval leaves LSU following recruitment of Russian player

Ukrainian basketball center Kate Koval has announced her departure from LSU, citing the program's recruitment of a Russian player as the primary reason. Koval stated that the decision was driven by her personal values and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, noting that her father serves in the Ukrainian military.

LSU recently signed Anna Minaeva, a 6-foot-5 post player who previously played for MBA Moscow. While LSU coach Kim Mulkey initially attributed Koval's departure to “personal decisions,” Koval clarified in a social media statement that the timing of the recruitment made her question if the university remained the right fit for her.

Koval, who transferred to LSU from Notre Dame, is now appealing to the NCAA to grant her immediate eligibility to compete at another school for the 2026-27 season. She noted that she was only informed of the recruitment after the transfer portal window had closed. Koval has at least two years of college eligibility remaining.