Ukrainian Women’s Basketball Player Leaves LSU After Kim Mulkey Signs Russian
LSU says Koval is withdrawing as a student, but transferring is tricky.
After LSU women's basketball announced it had signed a 17-year-old Russian player, the program's anticipated starting center from Ukraine, Kate Koval, left the team. Koval, a junior, had been with LSU for her second season after playing her freshman year at Notre Dame. Her father is a drone operator in Ukraine's war against Russia.
Koval played all 35 games for LSU last year and started 17. Coach Kim Mulkey announced Koval's departure the day before, citing "personal reasons." LSU's spokesperson confirmed Koval also intends to withdraw as a student. Given the transfer portal is closed and classes have already started, Koval's next steps are uncertain. She may need to transfer in April to find a new team.
The NCAA dictates that midyear transfers cannot compete for another school if they were enrolled elsewhere during the first semester, even if they never played a game. LSU's classes began on Monday, and Mulkey stated that Koval had a difficult decision to make, as she loves LSU. Koval has previously expressed the war's impact on her and her family.
She left the team after LSU signed Russian pro Anna Minaeva, which Koval told Mulkey she doubted could help end the conflict. Koval, who lived with her brother at LSU, may need to pursue a waiver from the NCAA to compete for another school this year.
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