Ukrainian center Kate Koval departs LSU women's basketball after Russian recruit joins

LSU women's basketball announced that senior center Kate Koval will leave the program, citing personal reasons without detailing the specifics. The decision arrives less than two weeks after the Tigers recruited 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva. Coach Kim Mulkey said the conversation with Koval was difficult and that the team will honor her privacy.

Koval, a 6-foot-5 athlete from Ukraine whose father fights in the Ukrainian army, posted averages of 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds while sharing minutes with senior Amiya Joyner last season. Mulkey had envisioned Koval and Minaeva as symbols of reconciliation by sharing a locker room, but the plan was disrupted by Koval's exit. The loss represents a significant roster change for LSU heading into the 2026 season. Koval could become a sought-after transfer target given her performance statistics.