Ukrainian Center Kate Koval Leaves LSU Over Russian Recruit Signing

PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 1:00 AM ET

Former Louisiana State University women's basketball player Kate Koval confirmed Wednesday that she left the program due to the university signing 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva. Koval, a junior from Kyiv, Ukraine, announced her departure publicly, stating she is withdrawing from the university and seeking an NCAA waiver to play elsewhere. Her father serves as a drone operator in the Ukrainian military, and she noted that close individuals have been wounded or killed while her childhood basketball gym was destroyed by missile strikes. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey previously stated she could not pass on a player who could help the program win based on international conflict, adding that she consulted Koval during the recruitment process. Last season, Koval averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds across 35 games for the Tigers. Because the transfer portal is closed and the academic semester has begun, Koval requires special NCAA eligibility clearance now.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 19
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 18

Explain Framing

Left: Highlighted personal trauma, geopolitical impact, and athlete moral stand. Center: Focused strictly on roster changes, quotes, and transfer portal rules. Right: Emphasized athletic competition priorities over external political conflicts.