Ukrainian forward Kate Koval left the LSU women’s basketball program because the team hired a Russian player amid continued military action from Moscow, she revealed Wednesday on social media. LSU coach Kim Mulkey announced last week that the 6-foot-5 Koval had left for “personal reasons” after just one season in Baton Rouge. Koval, 20, was widely believed to have opted out of his opposition to the signing of 6ft 5in Russian center Anna Minaeva, who previously played professionally for MBA Moscow. Republic that has been around for four and a half years. “The timing of this situation and the deeply personal effect it has had on me, my family and those we care about who continue to live and fight in this war ultimately made me question whether LSU was still the right place for me,” Koval said. “This decision has not been easy. While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values and my country.” Koval said Wednesday that she is proud of her father’s service in the Ukrainian military as he defended the nation against Russia’s four-and-a-half-year invasion of the former Soviet republic. LSU coach Kim Mulkey announced last week that Koval would be leaving the program for “personal reasons” after just one season in Baton Rouge. Kaufman File/Getty Images“My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes great pride in defending his country against Russian aggression,” Koval wrote in a statement. “For me, this war is not distant or abstract. People close to me have been killed and injured in Russian attacks, and the places where I grew up and started playing basketball have been destroyed by missile attacks.” Koval said he enjoyed his time in Baton Rouge, but the addition of the Russian player to LSU’s roster made the environment untenable. Koval said he was not informed of Minaeva’s addition until April, days after the transfer portal closed. So without special action from the NCAA, it could be forced to sit out the 2026-27 season. “I hope the NCAA recognizes the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and profound nature of this matter,” he said. “More than anything, I hope to have the opportunity to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.” An NCAA representative could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesperson for LSU’s athletic department said Thursday that the school would not expand on the statement Coach Mulkey issued on Aug. 25. “Kate came to me on Sunday and told me that after much consideration, she is leaving the show for personal reasons,” according to Mulkey. “We will respect her privacy in her decision, but we had a long conversation about it and it was a difficult decision for her. I know it’s difficult because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she believes is right.” “For her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.” Koval played his first season at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU last season. He played in all 35 games for LSU, 17 starts, and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks in 16.6 minutes per game. The Tigers were upset in the Sweet 16 in March when a buzzer-beater by Duke’s Ashlon Jackson forced LSU’s earliest exit from the tournament since 2022.
