Ukrainian-born basketball player Kate Koval is leaving Louisiana State University (LSU) less than two weeks after the team announced the signing of a Russian player who previously played professionally in Moscow.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey announced Koval’s departure on Monday, Aug. 24, saying the 6-foot-5 center was leaving the program for “personal reasons.”
“We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her,” Mulkey told the Associated Press. “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.”
Koval was born in Kyiv and began her college career at Notre Dame before transferring to LSU ahead of the 2025-26 season. She averaged 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Tigers.
Her departure comes shortly after LSU announced the signing of 17-year-old Russian center Anna Minaeva, a 6-foot-5 post player who previously played for MBA Moscow, a professional women’s basketball club in Russia.
LSU announced Minaeva’s signing on Friday, with Mulkey saying the teenager had the size, experience and skills to make an immediate impact.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Anna to our LSU family,” Mulkey said. “She has the experience, skill set, and size to make an immediate impact in our frontcourt.”
Minaeva has played in Russia’s Premier League and Superleague and appeared in 29 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.2 points and 9.6 rebounds.
LSU described Minaeva as a versatile frontcourt player capable of defending both inside and on the perimeter, protecting the rim and running the floor in transition.
“It takes tremendous courage to leave home at just 17 years old and travel across the world to pursue a dream,” Mulkey said.
Neither Koval nor LSU has publicly linked her decision to Minaeva’s signing. LSU said Koval was leaving for personal reasons and that the program would respect her privacy.
Koval’s next destination has not been announced.