BATON ROUGE, La. — Ukrainian center Kate Koval is departing LSU fewer than two weeks after the Tigers added a player from Russia to their roster.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey announced Monday evening that the 6‑foot‑5 Koval is leaving for “personal reasons,” noting that the program will honor her privacy regarding the decision.
“We had an extensive conversation, and it was a difficult choice for her,” Mulkey said. “I know it’s tough because she loves LSU. Kate is a wonderful person, and she must do what she believes is right for herself. We fully support her and wish her all the best.”
Koval, who was born in Kyiv, played for LSU last season after spending her freshman year at Notre Dame. Her departure comes shortly after the signing of Anna Minaeva, a 6‑foot‑5 post player who previously competed professionally with MBA Moscow.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and the two nations have remained in conflict since.
Mulkey told The New Orleans Advocate in a story published last week that she had spoken with Koval before beginning recruitment of Minaeva and had hoped the two could serve as “ambassadors” for their respective countries.
“I want you to know I’m not asking you to change how you feel about Russia,” Mulkey recalled telling Koval. “I’m speaking out of respect for your family and for you, to let you know where I stand. I understand how personal this is for you.”
Nevertheless, Mulkey emphasized that the geopolitical situation would not deter her from making the best decision for LSU’s basketball program.
“I cannot pass up a recruit who can help our team simply because of a dispute between two countries,” she said.
Koval, who will be a junior next season, averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for LSU last season and started in 17 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
