Ukrainian Center Koval Says She Left LSU Because Team Brought in Russian Player

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Kate Koval says she decided to leave LSU because it brought in a Russian player, and the Ukrainian center is hoping the NCAA will permit her to play elsewhere this season.

Koval issued a statement on Instagram on Wednesday, just over a week after LSU coach Kim Mulkey announced the post player's departure.

"My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression," Koval said. "For me, this war is not distant or abstract. People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and first began playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes."

Mulkey had indicated Koval was leaving for personal reasons and that the program would respect her privacy regarding her decision.

LSU recently signed Anna Minaeva, a 6-foot-5 post player who previously played professionally with MBA Moscow.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and the two countries have been at war since.

"The timing of this situation and the deeply personal effect it has had on me, my family and those we care about who continue to live through and fight this war ultimately made me question whether LSU remained the right place for me," Koval said. "This decision has not been easy. While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values and my country."

Koval averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 16.6 minutes in 35 games for LSU last season. The 6-5 center played at Notre Dame in 2024-25 and averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 18.3 minutes in 32 games.

In her statement, Koval noted that she didn't learn about LSU's decision to sign Minaeva until after the transfer portal had already closed.

"I hope the NCAA recognizes the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter," Koval said. "More than anything, I hope I am given the opportunity to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season."