Kate Koval on leaving LSU after addition of Russian player: 'For me, this war is not distant or abstract'
Koval's father serves in the Ukrainian military and has been involved in the war since Russia's 2022 invasion.
Kate Koval, the former LSU center, announced her departure from the program following the signing of Russian player Anna Minaeva. Koval, whose father is currently serving in the Ukrainian military and has been involved in the conflict since Russia's 2022 invasion, expressed that the war feels "not distant or abstract" to her. Koval's decision came after she learned of Minaeva's recruitment to LSU, despite head coach Kim Mulkey's assurances that her family's feelings would be respected.
Koval, who had previously played at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU last season, hopes to continue competing at another school during the 2026-27 basketball season.
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