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.