Kate Koval Leaves LSU Basketball Over Political Tensions

Ukrainian center and former LSU women’s basketball player Kate Koval recently shared her reasons for leaving the team. Her departure, initially announced in August, was attributed to personal reasons by LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. On Wednesday, Koval confirmed through an Instagram post that her decision was influenced by the signing of 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva.

Koval stated, “After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the LSU Women’s Basketball program and withdraw from LSU.” She explained that her plan to return for the new season changed when LSU decided to sign a Russian player right after the transfer portal closed in April.

Kate Koval No. 13 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Texas Tech Lady Raiders in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 22, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (Getty Images)

Koval cited her father’s service in the Ukrainian Army and the impact of Russian aggression on her family and friends as factors in her decision to leave the program.

Coach Mulkey defended her decision, stating it was in the program’s best interest to recruit someone who could enhance the team. She dismissed political tensions, emphasizing that basketball decisions should not be influenced by international conflicts.

Tigers Head Coach Kim Mulkey, LSU Tigers take on Florida State in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Baton Rouge, L.A., Monday, March 24, 2025. (SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mulkey expressed hope that both Koval and Minaeva could serve as “ambassadors” to promote unity despite geopolitical tensions.

Koval noted, “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.” Despite her disagreement with Mulkey’s decision, Koval expressed a desire to continue her college basketball career during the 2026-27 season.

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

OutKick reached out to Koval for further comments and were referred to her public statement from Thursday.

Austin Perry contributed to the original report for OutKick.