# Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kate-koval-departure-from-lsu-basketball
> Updated: 2026-09-10T18:55:04.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4.

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has departed the LSU women’s basketball program. Initially, head coach Kim Mulkey reported that Koval, a forward who transferred from Notre Dame, left for “personal reasons” and stated the program would respect her privacy.

Subsequent reports clarified the context of her departure following the signing of 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva by the same team. While the university did not explicitly cite geopolitical tensions, the move occurred amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Coach Mulkey had previously expressed hope that Koval and Minaeva could serve as “ambassadors” for friendship, though Koval reportedly expressed doubt regarding that possibility. It was also noted that Koval’s father serves in the Ukrainian military as a drone operator.

Koval has since clarified her departure via a social media statement, citing the recruitment of Minaeva as the primary reason. She stated the decision was driven by her personal values and the ongoing war, noting that the timing of the recruitment made her question if the university remained the right fit. Koval further noted she was only informed of the recruitment after the transfer portal window had closed.

Following her appeal to the NCAA, Koval has been granted a “legislative relief waiver.” This allows her to be immediately eligible to compete for a new team for the 2026-27 season, preventing her from having to sit out despite the transfer portal having already closed. Koval has at least two seasons of eligibility remaining and is eligible for the 2028 WNBA Draft.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Kate Koval granted NCAA waiver to transfer from LSU

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has been granted an NCAA waiver to transfer from LSU following the signing of a Russian recruit, citing personal ties to the war in Ukraine.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kate-koval-granted-ncaa-waiver-to-transfer-from-lsu

### 2026-09-02: Kate Koval leaves LSU following recruitment of Russian player

Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU after the program recruited Russian player Anna Minaeva, citing personal values and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kate-koval-leaves-lsu-following-recruitment-of-russian-player

### 2026-08-27: Ukrainian player Kate Koval leaves LSU basketball team

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has left the LSU women’s basketball team following the recruitment of Russian center Anna Minaeva, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukrainian-player-kate-koval-leaves-lsu-basketball-team

### 2026-08-25: Kate Koval leaves LSU women’s basketball program

LSU forward Kate Koval is leaving the women’s basketball program for personal reasons after one season, leaving a notable gap in the Tigers' frontcourt depth.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kate-koval-leaves-lsu-womens-basketball-program

---
Cite as: Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kate-koval-departure-from-lsu-basketball