Kate Koval of Ukraine leaves LSU following the Tigers’ signing of a Russian player

In a recent development, Ukrainian center Kate Koval is departing from LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers added a Russian player to the roster. The 6-foot-5 player cited "personal reasons" for her decision, according to LSU coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey emphasized that the program would respect Koval's privacy regarding her choice, acknowledging that it was a difficult decision for the athlete, given her love for LSU.

Koval, originally from Kyiv, started her college basketball journey at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU last season. She had averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during her time with the Tigers. Recently, LSU signed Anna Minaeva, a 6-5 post player who had previously played professionally in Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to a state of war between the two nations.