'This Decision Has Not Been easy:' Former LSU Forward Kate Koval Speaks on Leaving Program
Kate Koval said she is leaving the Tigers after LSU signed Russian center Anna Minaeva, citing her family ties to Ukraine and personal values.
- Ukrainian center Kate Koval confirmed on Wednesday she left Louisiana State University's women's basketball program after head coach Kim Mulkey signed Russian player Anna Minaeva.
- Koval's father serves in the Ukrainian military, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 has deeply affected her family and personal values.
- Mulkey signed 17-year-old Minaeva on August 14 after the transfer portal had closed, prompting Koval to question whether LSU remained the right place for her.
- Koval asked the NCAA to "recognize the circumstances" of her departure and hopes to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.
- Although Mulkey indicated she discussed the recruit with Koval beforehand, the player maintains she must remain true to herself, her values, and her country.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Former NCAA Champion Reacts After Ukrainian Player Reveals She Left LSU Over Kim Mulkey’s Russian Signing
More than a week ago, Kate Koval left the college basketball world stunned after she announced her departure from Kim Mulkey’s LSU program. And as she finally broke her silence on the situation, with former NCAA champion liking her Instagram post. In a statement posted on Instagram by Koval on Wednesday, the 20-year-old revealed that […]
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Ukrainian Kate Koval leaves LSU over addition of Russian recruit
Ukrainian Kate Koval expounded upon her decision to leave LSU several days after stepping away from the team over the addition of a Russian recruit. Koval faces uncertain eligibility given her departure came after the transfer portal closed, but said she opted to leave Baton Rouge after head coach Kim Mulkey informed her the Tigers
Ukrainian Koval confirms she left NCAA women's program after signing of Russian player
Sept 2 - Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval confirmed on Wednesday that she left Louisiana State University's women's program last month after the signing of Russian Anna Minaeva. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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