RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sources
Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images
Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU after just one year with the program after coach Kim Mulkey brought in a player from Russia.
The LSU Tigers announced earlier this week that Ukrainian center Kate Koval is leaving the program. Koval was with the team for a year after transferring from Notre Dame.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian’s decision was initially announced officially to be for ‘personal reasons’ although the reports suggest it was because of head coach Kim Mulkey’s choice.
Koval played 35 games for the team in 2025-26, averaging 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Now, she will be taking her talents elsewhere for one specific reason.
Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images
LSU bringing in 17-year-old Russian star Anna Minaeva is the reason behind Kate Koval’s departure
Ukraine and Russia have been in a state of conflict for over a decade. In 2022, the latter launched an invasion of Ukraine which has led to active, intense fighting for the last four and a half years.
So when Mulkey and LSU decided to bring in former MBA Moscow player Anna Minaeva to the program, it was reportedly something Koval, whose father serves in the Ukrainian military, could not abide.
““We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” Mulkey said about the situation.
“I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.”
Previously, Mulkey had said she was hoping the two could be together in the same program and be ambassadors for ‘sport and peace’. But it seems Koval has made the decision to move on instead.
SEC announces new policy that bans former NFL, NBA, and WNBA athletes
Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary reveals how everyday fans can profit off the WNBA boom
Fox News analyst hints Enes Kanter not genuinely trying to help WNBA with ‘silly’ antics
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.