Ukrainian player Koval cites Russian teammate's signing in LSU exit statement

Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has publicly confirmed that her departure from the LSU women's basketball team was a direct result of the program's decision to sign a Russian player, a move she says was deeply personal given the ongoing war in her home country. In a statement released on September 3, 2026, the 20-year-old center explained that she withdrew from the university after learning in April that LSU had recruited 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva. Koval's statement clarified the circumstances behind her exit, which LSU head coach Kim Mulkey had previously attributed to "personal reasons." Koval stated that she fully intended to return for the 2026-27 season after a successful sophomore year in which she averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. However, she learned of the decision to sign Minaeva several days after the transfer portal had closed, leaving her with limited options. The Ukrainian athlete emphasized that the decision was rooted in the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. "My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression," Koval wrote.