Ukrainian Player Leaves LSU After Signing of Russian Center

Ukrainian women's basketball player Kate Koval has left the Louisiana State University program, a decision announced by head coach Kim Mulkey on Monday, August 24, 2026. The departure comes less than two weeks after LSU signed 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva, creating a sensitive dynamic amid the ongoing war between their home countries.

Koval, a 6-foot-5 center born and raised in Kyiv, was a rising junior who averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Tigers last season. In a statement, Mulkey said Koval informed her of the decision on Sunday, citing personal reasons. "We will respect her privacy on her decision, but we had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her. I know it is hard because she loves LSU," Mulkey stated. The coach added that the program fully supports Koval and wishes her the best.

The timing of the announcement followed LSU's signing of Minaeva, also a 6-foot-5 center, who previously played professionally for MBA Moscow in Russia. Mulkey revealed that she had spoken with Koval before recruiting Minaeva, explaining her professional obligation. "I want you to understand I'm not here to ask you to change how you feel about...