Ukrainian Basketball Player Leaves LSU After Tigers Sign Russian Athlete
Kyiv-born basketball player Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers signed 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva, who previously played for a professional club in Moscow. LSU cited “personal reasons” for Koval’s departure, while neither side has publicly linked the move to Minaeva’s signing.
Ukrainian basketball star Kate Koval is departing from Louisiana State University (LSU) just two weeks after the team signed a Russian player who once competed in Moscow. On Monday, Aug. 24, head coach Kim Mulkey shared Koval's departure citing "personal reasons." A conversation with the Associated Press revealed Mulkey's acknowledgement of the difficulty of her decision, given Koval's deep-seated love for LSU.
Mulkey stated, "Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best."
Born in Kyiv, Koval started her collegiate journey at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU ahead of the 2025-26 season. During her tenure with the Tigers, she averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Her sudden exit follows LSU's announcement of signing a 17-year-old Russian center named Anna Minaeva. Minaeva, a 6-foot-5 player who previously played for MBA Moscow, is touted for her size, experience, and skills which Mulkey believes will yield an immediate impact on LSU's frontcourt.
She played 29 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.2 points and 9.6 rebounds. Minaeva has been a versatile frontcourt player, adept at defending both inside and outside, protecting the rim, and running the floor in transition. Despite the circumstances, LSU has chosen to maintain Koval's privacy and has not disclosed her next destination.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
