Former LSU Basketball Star Kate Koval Addresses Departure

Kate Koval, a Ukrainian center and former star of the LSU women’s basketball team, has spoken out about her decision to leave the team. Koval had announced her departure from LSU in August, with head coach Kim Mulkey attributing the decision to personal reasons.

On Wednesday, Koval confirmed the reasons for her departure through a statement on her Instagram page. She linked her decision to leave to Mulkey’s recruitment of a 17-year-old Russian player, 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.”

Initially planning to continue playing at LSU after the last season, Koval shared that she was informed of Minaeva’s signing in April, shortly after the transfer portal closed. Koval emphasized the impact of her father’s service in the Ukrainian Army and the loss and injury of friends and family due to “Russian aggression,” influencing her to step away.

Mulkey defended her decision, stating it was best for the program. She commented on her strategy to use Koval and Minaeva as “ambassadors” to bridge geopolitical gaps and foster unity. Mulkey asserted, “I cannot make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries.”

Koval reflected on the situation, expressing the deep personal effects it had on her family and friends still affected by the ongoing conflict. She questioned whether LSU remained the right place for her under these circumstances.

Despite the circumstances, Koval remains committed to playing college basketball and hopes to join a team for the 2026-27 season. She expressed hope that the NCAA would understand the gravity of her situation and allow her to compete at another institution.

OutKick reached out to Koval for comment and was referred to her public statement released on Thursday.