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Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-03 00:22 UTC → 2026-09-12 03:22 UTC · added removed

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

Versions

  1. 2026-09-12 03:22 UTC Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball
  2. 2026-09-03 00:22 UTC Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball
  3. 2026-08-28 12:04 UTC Kate Koval departure from LSU basketball

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