Kate Koval of Ukraine Leaves LSU Following the Tigers' Signing of a Russian Player
Kate Koval is leaving LSU after averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in one season, coach Kim Mulkey said.
- LSU center Kate Koval is leaving the Tigers program, head coach Kim Mulkey confirmed on Monday night. The 6-foot-5 player departs after one season at the University in Baton Rouge.
- Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Koval faces personal challenges as her father, Oleksandr Koval, is currently fighting in the war between Ukraine and Russia. His military service shapes her decision to leave.
- The departure occurs less than two weeks after LSU announced the signing of 6-foot-5 post player Anna Minaeva, who previously played for MBA Moscow. The timing raises questions about roster composition.
- Mulkey stated that Koval is leaving for "personal reasons," adding, "We will respect her privacy on her decision." The coach emphasized it was a hard decision for her.
- Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and the war has continued since. The current phase of conflict has lasted more than 4 years and 6 months, affecting families like Koval's.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Ukranian LSU Basketball Star Kate Koval Leaves Team After Kim Mulkey Forces Her To Play With New Russian Teammate
Kate Koval looked as if she was in line to be the starting center for the LSU Tigers women’s basketball program in 2026-27 after starting in 17 of 35 appearances a year ago. Now, after head coach Kim Mulkey forced Koval, whose father serves in the Ukrainian army, to play alongside new Russian transfer Anna Minaeva, Koval has left […] The post Ukranian LSU Basketball Star Kate Koval Leaves Team After Kim Mulkey Forces Her To Play With New Russian…
"Hard Decision": Kim Mulkey Issues Statement as LSU Forward Parts Ways With the Program
The Louisiana State University women’s basketball program has faced an unexpected roster change as the 2026-27 season looms, as their high-impact 6-5 forward leaves the organization. Head coach Kim Mulkey addressed the changes afterward and revealed just how difficult the situation was. The forward leaving the program is Kate Koval, who had transferred from Notre Dame to play the past season at LSU. Following the announcement, Mulkey spoke about…
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