Entertainment
Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval leaves LSU over signing of Russian recruit
The forward cited the personal toll of the war in Ukraine and is seeking an NCAA eligibility waiver to play elsewhere next season.
The short version
- Ukrainian forward Kate Koval departed LSU's women's basketball program after the team recruited Russian center Anna Minaeva.
- Koval cited the personal toll of the war in Ukraine, including her father's active military service, as the reason she could not remain with the team.
- Because she left after the transfer window closed, Koval requires an NCAA waiver to play at another program for the 2026-27 season without sitting out.
Key facts
- Kate Koval announced on social media that she left the LSU women's basketball team following the addition of Russian center Anna Minaeva.[NBC News]
- Koval cited the war in Ukraine, the deaths and injuries of close acquaintances, and her father's service in the Ukrainian military as the basis for her departure.[NBC News]
- LSU head coach Kim Mulkey had previously announced Koval's departure, citing personal reasons.[NBC News]
- Koval stated she learned of Minaeva's signing in April after the transfer portal had closed, leaving her immediate eligibility for the 2026-27 season dependent on NCAA approval.[NBC News]
- Koval played for Notre Dame as a freshman before competing in all 35 games for LSU during the 2025-26 season.[NBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It is unknown whether the NCAA will grant Koval an eligibility waiver to compete for another school during the 2026-27 season without sitting out.[NBC News]
Sources
- Ukrainian LSU women’s basketball player leaves team over signing of Russian recruitNBC News - Top Stories