Ukraine War04 September, 20262 min read
Kate Koval Quits LSU After Coach Kim Mulkey Signs Russian Player Anna Minaeva
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Kate Koval left LSU after the program signed Russian center Anna Minaeva. She cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine and personal reasons for departing.
7 outlets told this the same way.
Koval quits LSU
Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval left Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball programme after LSU signed Russian player Anna Minaeva, saying Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine made the decision “deeply personal.” Koval said she was informed in April, “several days after the transfer portal had closed,” that LSU would sign Minaeva, and she wrote that her father “serves in the Ukrainian military.”
In her statement, Koval said “People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks,” and that places where she grew up “have been destroyed by missile strikes.” LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said Koval told her she was leaving for “personal reasons,” adding, “We all wish her the best,” while Koval said she hopes the NCAA will allow her to transfer for the 2026-27 season.
NCAA and Mulkey
Koval posted her explanation on social media on Wednesday, writing, “After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the LSU Women's Basketball program and withdraw from LSU.” ABC News reported that LSU announced it had signed Anna Minaeva in an August press release, and Koval said the timing of the signing after the transfer portal closed made her reconsider staying at LSU.
NBC News said Koval tied her departure to “Moscow’s continued military action” and quoted her: “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.” ESPN reported that Koval hoped the NCAA would permit her to play elsewhere this season, quoting her: “I hope the NCAA recognizes the circumstances surrounding my situation and understands the seriousness and deep nature of this matter.”
Eligibility and stakes
Koval said she has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining and that the transfer portal has closed, but she still hopes the NCAA “recognises the circumstances surrounding my situation” and allows her to join a different university for the upcoming season. BBC reported that after the arrival of Anna Minaeva, it was announced that Koval had departed for “personal reasons” after one season, and Koval said she was expected to be LSU’s starting centre this year.
“More than anything, I hope I am given the opportunity to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.”
Front Office Sports said Koval quit the team the day before classes started and that the NCAA forbids midyear basketball transfers from playing if a student-athlete was enrolled at another school during the first semester. ESPN described the practical stakes for Koval’s season, noting she averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in 35 games for LSU last season, and quoting her again on her hope for another school: “More than anything, I hope I am given the opportunity to compete at another school during the upcoming 2026-27 basketball season.”