'This Decision Has Not Been easy:' Former LSU Forward Kate Koval Speaks on Leaving Program
Kate Koval said she is leaving the Tigers after LSU signed Russian center Anna Minaeva, citing her family ties to Ukraine and personal values.
- Ukrainian center Kate Koval confirmed on Wednesday she left Louisiana State University's women's basketball program after head coach Kim Mulkey signed Russian player Anna Minaeva.
- Koval's father serves in the Ukrainian military, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 has deeply affected her family and personal values.
- Mulkey signed 17-year-old Minaeva on August 14 after the transfer portal had closed, prompting Koval to question whether LSU remained the right place for her.
- Koval asked the NCAA to "recognize the circumstances" of her departure and hopes to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.
- Although Mulkey indicated she discussed the recruit with Koval beforehand, the player maintains she must remain true to herself, her values, and her country.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Ukrainian Koval confirms she left NCAA women's program after signing of Russian player
Sept 2 - Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval confirmed on Wednesday that she left Louisiana State University's women's program last month after the signing of Russian Anna Minaeva. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Winnipeg Free Press
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.
'This decision has not been easy:' Former LSU forward Kate Koval speaks on leaving program
BATON ROUGE - Former LSU forward Kate Koval released a statement on her leaving LSU's women's basketball program, citing the decision of the program signing a Russian player as part of the reason.Koval said that she intended to continue her career at LSU, but after the transfer portal had closed, she was told of LSU's decision to sign a Russian player."My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country…
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