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Ukrainian Star Kate Koval Quits LSU After Team Signs Russian Player

Ukrainian basketball star Kate Koval has departed Louisiana State University’s (LSU) women’s basketball programme after the university signed Russian player Anna Minaeva.

The 20-year-old, who averaged 8.3 points per game last season and was expected to play a major role this season, announced her decision on Instagram on Friday. LSU had initially said she left for “personal reasons.”

In her statement, Koval revealed the real reason was deeply personal and connected to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“At the conclusion of last season, I fully intended to return and continue my collegiate career at LSU. However, in April, several days after the transfer portal had closed, I was informed of the decision to sign a Russian player,” she wrote.
Koval explained that her father serves in the Ukrainian military, and the war is not distant for her.
“My father serves in the Ukrainian military and takes tremendous pride in defending his country against Russian aggression. For me, this war is not distant or abstract. People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and first began playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes,” she said.
She added that the timing and emotional toll made her reconsider her future at LSU.
“The timing of this situation and the deep 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.”

“This decision has not been easy. While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values and my country.”
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said she supports Koval’s decision:
“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.”
Koval, who has two years of eligibility left, is now appealing to the NCAA to allow her transfer outside the portal window so she can play in the 2026-27 season.
“I hope the NCAA recognises the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter,” she said.
Despite leaving, she thanked the LSU community:
“I felt I had found a home at LSU, and I am incredibly grateful for my team-mates who became family, as well as my coaches, staff, professors and the entire LSU community. I will always cherish the relationships, experiences, and memories I made there.”
Source: Punch Newspapers –