Ukrainian Player Leaves LSU Due to Signing Russian Athlete

Ukrainian forward Kate Koval has decided to part ways with LSU’s women’s basketball team following the signing of a Russian player. Koval expressed her decision on social media, citing the impact of ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia as a significant factor in her choice.

Koval shared, “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 through and fight this war ultimately made me question whether LSU remained the right place for me.” She emphasized the difficulty of the decision, acknowledging the complexity of roster decisions in college basketball but reiterating her need to stay true to her values and her country.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey recently informed that Koval left the team for what were described as “personal reasons” after completing just one season in Baton Rouge. The widespread belief was that Koval’s decision was in response to the team signing Anna Minaeva, a Russian center who had previously played in Russia for MBA Moscow.

Koval expressed pride in her father’s military service in Ukraine as they defend against ongoing Russian aggression. “My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression,” Koval wrote. She described the conflict as immediate and personal, mentioning that people she knew have suffered due to the war.

Kate Koval also mentioned that despite enjoying her time at LSU, the inclusion of a Russian player shifted the environment for her. She learned about Minaeva’s addition only after the transfer portal closed, leaving her options limited without NCAA intervention, as she would be ineligible to compete in the 2026-27 season without a special NCAA exemption.

Koval urges the NCAA to consider her unique situation, hoping to transfer and play at another school in the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season. As of Wednesday night, representatives from the NCAA and LSU were not available for comments.

Koval had transferred from Notre Dame to LSU last season, where she participated in all 35 games, starting in 17 of them. She averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in her 16.6 minutes per game. LSU’s season ended earlier than anticipated in March when a buzzer-beater by Duke’s Ashlon Jackson resulted in their elimination in the Sweet 16.